AGROFORESTRY IN KARNATAKA ñ A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR GREEN GROWTH

Agroforestry in Karnataka ñ A Golden Opportunity for Green Growth highlights various aspects of agroforestry ñ a system of introduction, or rather reintroduction, of trees in and around agricultural lands in order to restore the ancient, organic relationship that existed between forest and agriculture. The book traces the evolution of agroforestry in the state of Karnataka in India and recounts the strides that have been made in this direction in the recent years. It dwells upon the multifarious beneficial effects of agroforestry on forest conservation, soil and water conservation, and development of agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, animal husbandry, apiculture, etc. Although agroforestry is seen as a very pragmatic step to increase the forest or tree cover, its benefits go far beyond: it has the potential of transforming the entire rural/agrarian landscape in terms of economic, ecological and environmental development. It is also likely to be the most befitting response to the challenges posed by climate change. It is difficult to visualize a climate-smart agricultural system without trees having been accorded a complementary but important role in it. In the coming days, agroforestry may hold the key to an overarching development in the agricultural sector, more particularly in the vast and expanding parched regions, where signs of desertification, drought, poverty, hunger and death are becoming increasingly ominous.