Introduction

Forests are an essential part of Earth’s ecosystem, providing oxygen, food, medicine, and livelihoods to millions of people worldwide. They act as natural carbon sinks, help regulate the climate, and support biodiversity. Beyond their ecological significance, forests play a critical role in global food security, offering essential resources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat that support indigenous and rural communities.

Recognizing the importance of forests, the United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012 to promote awareness and action towards forest conservation. Each year, a unique theme is selected by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, with "Forests and Food" as the theme for 2025. This theme highlights the deep connection between forests and food security, emphasizing their role in providing nutrition, sustaining livelihoods, and supporting ecosystems.

India, with its vast forest cover and rich biodiversity, is deeply connected to forests in terms of culture, economy, and environmental sustainability. The Government of India has undertaken various initiatives to ensure sustainable forest management and conservation, linking forests to food security, climate resilience, and economic development.

Forestry in India: Status and Key Insights

India has a rich and diverse forest ecosystem, covering 21.71% of its total land area, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. These forests are classified into tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, mangroves, alpine forests, and thorn forests, reflecting the country’s varied geography and climate.

Forest and Tree Cover in India

• Total Forest and Tree Cover: 8,27,357 sq km (25.17% of India’s total geographical area).
• Tree Cover: 1,12,014 sq km.
• Increase in Forest Cover: The forest cover has increased by 156 sq km compared to 2021.
• States with Highest Forest Cover: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
• States with the Most Growth in Forest Cover (since 2021): Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.

Carbon Stock and Environmental Impact

India’s forests store 7,285.5 million tonnes of carbon, contributing significantly to the 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink. This is crucial for mitigating climate change by absorbing greenhouse gases.

Economic Contribution of Forests

Forests support India’s economy through:

• Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as bamboo, honey, resin, and medicinal plants.
• Ecotourism that generates revenue and employment in forested regions.
• Livelihoods for Tribal and Rural Communities who depend on forest produce for sustenance and income.

Conservation Efforts in India

To ensure sustainable forest management, India has implemented several government initiatives, including:

1.   National Afforestation Programme (NAP) – Encourages afforestation and reforestation projects.

2.   Green India Mission (GIM) – Aims to restore and expand forest cover while enhancing ecosystem services.

3.   Joint Forest Management (JFM) – Involves local communities in forest conservation and management.

Key Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation

1. National Agroforestry Policy (2014)

Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use system that integrates trees and crops to improve soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and farmers’ income. Recognizing its potential, India launched the National Agroforestry Policy to promote tree plantation on farmland.

Objectives of the Scheme:

• Encourage climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable farming.
• Enhance agricultural productivity through tree-crop integration.
• Support farmers' income by providing market and economic incentives.

Implementation Strategy:

• Production and distribution of Quality Planting Material (QPM) through nurseries and tissue culture.
• ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI) provides technical support, certification, and training.
• Collaboration with ICFRE, CSIR, ICRAF, and state agricultural universities for research and implementation.

Market and Economic Support:

• Farmers receive price guarantees and buy-back options for farm-grown trees.
• Encourages private sector participation in agroforestry marketing.
• Supports India’s strategy to promote millets, which thrive in tree-based farming systems.

2. Green India Mission (GIM)

The Green India Mission (GIM), part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), was launched to protect, restore, and enhance forest cover while tackling climate change.

Mission Goals:

• Expand forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares and improve another 5 million hectares.
• Boost carbon storage, water management, and biodiversity.
• Improve livelihoods for 3 million households through forest-based income.

Sub-Missions:

1.   Enhancing Forest Cover – Improving quality and ecosystem services.

2.   Ecosystem Restoration – Reforesting degraded lands.

3.   Urban Greening – Adding trees in cities and urban areas.

4.   Agroforestry & Social Forestry – Creating carbon sinks.

5.   Wetland Restoration – Reviving critical wetlands.

Funding and Expenditure:

• As of July 2024, Rs. 909.82 crores has been allocated for plantations across 17 states and 1 Union Territory, covering 155,130 hectares.

3. Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme

This Centrally Sponsored Scheme supports states and UTs in preventing and controlling forest fires.

Objectives:

• Reduce forest fire incidents and restore affected areas.
• Involve local communities in forest protection.
• Use modern technology like Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS for fire monitoring.

Implementation:

• The Forest Survey of India (FSI) developed a satellite-based Forest Fire Monitoring and Alert System for real-time detection.
• Fire alerts are sent via SMS and email to authorities for quick response.

4. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)

Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, this scheme aims to boost the livelihoods of tribal communities by enhancing the value of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs).

Formation of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs):

• Each Kendra has 300 members from 15 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• These serve as processing hubs for value addition and marketing of forest produce.

Financial Support:

• ₹15 lakh per Kendra is provided by the government.
• Tribal members contribute ₹1,000 to ensure ownership.
• Supports branding, packaging, and global market access for tribal products.

Implementation Stages:

1.   Stage I – Establishing 6,000 Kendras with basic facilities.

2.   Stage II – Scaling up with better infrastructure like storage and processing units.

Impact and Benefits:

• Sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
• Forest conservation and reduced deforestation.
• Stronger tribal economy and reduced migration.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to forest conservation and sustainability is evident through various policies and initiatives like the National Agroforestry Policy, Green India Mission, Forest Fire Prevention Scheme, and Van Dhan Yojana. These programs restore and protect forest ecosystems, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen food security.

On International Day of Forests 2025, it is crucial to recognize forests as vital resources and reaffirm our dedication to sustainable development. By integrating community participation, policy reforms, and conservation efforts, India continues to move towards a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future.