Evaluation of Prevailing Agroforestry Systems and their Components in Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Agroforestry is a land use system where perennial tree species are strategically utilized in the same land management unit as animals, crops, or both, either in a temporal or spatial arrangement. Adopting various agroforestry system approaches is essential to maintaining the livelihood of farmers with limited resources, especially in rainfed areas. The aim of the study was to analyze the existing agroforestry system and its components within traditional agroforestry in the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Agri-silviculture, agri-horti-silviculture, silvi-pastoral and agri-silvi-pastoral were the four distinct kinds of agroforestry systems found to be prevalent in the area. It was found that the majority of the agroforestry systems in this area are made up of horticultural and multipurpose tree species in addition to crop species. In order to fully realize the potential of agroforestry as a sustainable economic and ecological solution in the area, the study calls for continued attention and support from policymakers, scientists, social workers, and extension professionals. Overall, the study highlights the need for increased promotion and development of agroforestry to improve the livelihoods of rural communities.