Simplified rules for growing, felling and transporting trees grown on private land should remove some of the current impediments to agroforestry in India.

Business Standard reports on new guidelines developed by the Union environment ministry which will make it easier for those growing fast-growing tree species. While the new guidelines also regulate high-value species such as teak, they are “a bit more open than before,” says the article.

Officials quoted in the article say the guidelines will help encourage the growing of high-value trees on non-forest land and especially benefit farmers, tribals, private land owners, landowning agencies, financial institutions, industries and others who control or own lands other than forest land.

Regulations relating to agroforestry are not uniform across all states in India, which makes it difficult for growers to transport felled trees interstate to obtain the best price. It also means that some tree species are exempted in some states but banned in adjoining ones.

It is hoped the new guidelines will “bring a coordination mechanism among neighbouring states and uniformity in transit rules”. The states with the least restrictions on tree felling and transit had been found to succeed in large-scale agroforestry and farm forestry.

Read the full story: Centre eases rules for trees on private land