Baramati, 1 September 2026: A plantation drive was organized at ICAR–National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management (NIASM), Baramati, to mark the establishment of a Timber-based Agroforestry Demonstration Model under the project “Development of Agroforestry Demonstration Models at ICAR–NIASM, Baramati.”

The programme was graced by Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director, ICAR–NIASM, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Tukaram Jadhavar, Range Forest Officer (Social Forestry), Baramati, as the Special Guest.

Dr. Sangram B. Chavan, Principal Investigator of the project, briefed the gathering on the objectives, components and significance of the demonstration model. He explained how integrated agroforestry systems can provide sustainable and additional income opportunities to farmers.

In his presidential address, Dr. K. Sammi Reddy highlighted the potential of agroforestry for the rehabilitation of degraded lands, improvement of soil health and promotion of climate-smart agriculture. He also emphasized the potential of agroforestry to generate carbon credits in addition to income from tree-based produce.

Shri Tukaram Jadhavar emphasized the importance of promoting tree-based farming systems among farmers to enhance income opportunities and encourage sustainable land management.

As part of the plantation drive, about 400 plants of Melia dubia, mahogany and bamboo were planted in the demonstration model with active participation from institute staff. Around 60 staff members and 22 BSc Students of ICAR–NIASM and four representatives from the Forest Department participated in the programme.

The project is funded under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) through the Social Forestry Department, Maharashtra Forest Department. The demonstration model will serve as a practical platform for farmers, researchers and extension personnel to understand and promote farmer-oriented, sustainable and climate-smart agroforestry systems under semi-arid conditions.

The programme marked a meaningful step towards promoting tree-based farming, sustainable land management and enhanced income opportunities for farmers.