India has unveiled a series of forward-looking initiatives to underscore its commitment to forest conservation, sustainability, and their intrinsic connection to food security and climate resilience. Coinciding with the 2025 International Day of Forests, themed “Forests and Food,” these strategies reflect India’s integrated vision for forests as not only ecological havens but also as critical assets in combating global challenges like hunger and environmental degradation.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with allied governmental bodies, has prioritized linking forest ecosystems to the broader paradigms of food security, livelihoods, and economic stability. Several landmark programs highlight this commitment, ensuring that forests remain vital lifelines for communities while promoting broader environmental goals.
Among these is the National Agroforestry Policy, a flagship initiative designed to integrate trees into farmlands to increase agricultural productivity, bolster soil health, and diversify income streams for farmers. Launched in 2014, this policy encourages agroforestry models suited for India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Its key objectives include promoting quality planting materials, fostering market linkages for products like timber and medicinal plants, and utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as geo-tagging and satellite imagery to monitor plantations. Farmers are further supported by innovative pricing guarantees and buy-back options, ensuring steady financial returns. The government has allocated substantial funds, with Rs. 50 million for hi-tech nurseries and Rs. 2 million for tissue culture units, to empower stakeholders across the agroforestry spectrum.
The Green India Mission (GIM), part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, forms another cornerstone of India’s sustainability vision. Initiated in 2015, GIM has set ambitious goals, including expanding forest cover by 5 million hectares and enhancing the quality of an additional 5 million hectares. It aims to improve ecosystem services, ranging from carbon sequestration to water management, while positively impacting 3 million households. The mission also supports ecosystem restoration, urban greening, and wetland rejuvenation. A significant milestone under GIM has been the allocation of Rs. 909.82 million to 17 states and one union territory, enabling plantation and eco-restoration efforts across 155,130 hectares.
A critical aspect of forest sustainability lies in combating forest fires, a challenge that the Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPM) addresses with rigor. This centrally-sponsored scheme leverages advanced technologies like GPS and GIS for real-time fire detection and mitigation. Nearly 715,343 square kilometers of forest area are monitored under a satellite-based alert system, which ensures swift action during fire incidents. Collaborative efforts between the Ministry, state governments, and the Forest Survey of India have resulted in a notable decline in fire hotspots, underscoring the scheme’s effectiveness.
Empowering tribal communities through the Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) adds another layer to India’s comprehensive forest strategy. This initiative transforms forest produce collectors into entrepreneurs by providing them with skill training, infrastructure support, and market linkages. Central to its success is the establishment of 6,000 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, each serving as a processing and marketing hub for Minor Forest Produce (MFP). With Rs. 1.5 million in financial support per Kendra and a robust focus on branding and global market access, PMVDY has become instrumental in strengthening tribal economies while conserving forest resources.
These initiatives collectively reflect India’s unwavering dedication to balancing ecological conservation with human welfare. They embody a harmonious blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology, reinforcing forests as keystones of sustainability, economic growth, and cultural heritage.
As the nation celebrates the International Day of Forests, these efforts stand as a testament to India’s leadership in fostering a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for its citizens and the global community. Forests, long revered as the lungs of the planet, now emerge as catalysts for innovation and resilience in the 21st century.
