Impact of Agricultural Practices on Forest Degradation in Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract With sustained population growth, the pressure to expand agricultural land for food, fiber, and fuel continues to rise, posing a significant threat to forest ecosystems. Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, a biodiversity-rich area in Maharashtra, India, has witnessed increasing forest degradation due to unsustainable agricultural practices. This study examines the impacts of shifting cultivation, deforestation, and land-use patterns on forest health within and around the sanctuary. Local farmers, in an effort to increase agricultural productivity, have been reverting to traditional methods of slash-and-burn agriculture. Forests are cleared and burned to enrich the soil with wood ash, which also helps control insect pests in crops like rice. These lands are cyclically cultivated with rice, ragi, groundnut, and other oil seeds. Historically, these cycles were followed by sufficient fallow periods that allowed natural forest regeneration. However, recent trends reveal shortened fallow intervals and increased frequency of forest cutting and biomass collection. As a result, regeneration has become inadequate, leading to expanding deforested patches and increased fragmentation of the once-continuous forest cover. This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable land-use planning and community engagement to mitigate forest degradation and protect the ecological integrity of Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.