CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin, on Wednesday, released the Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy 2026, aimed at promoting the cultivation of high-value trees such as teak, sandalwood, red sanders and rosewood on agricultural land parcels, simplifying procedures for harvesting and marketing timber, and expanding the state’s forest and tree cover to 33%.
The policy seeks to increase farmers’ income, encourage sustainable agroforestry practices and meet the growing demand for timber and wood-based products while strengthening environmental protection and climate resilience.
A senior official told TNIE one of the key objectives of the policy is to ease the rules for farmers to grow and fell high-value trees.
At present, there are stringent laws for growing, felling and transporting high-value trees as per Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act, 1955, Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Rules, 1967, Tamil Nadu Timber Transit Rules, 1968, Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Possession Rules, 1970, Tamil Nadu Hill Stations (Preservation of Trees) Amendment Act, 1979, and Tamil Nadu Rosewood (Conservation) Act, 1994. These will be relaxed.
“Already, three stakeholder meetings have been conducted to elicit the views of farmers and others, and the policy has been devised based on their views. The relaxation of the rules will be done at the earliest in association with the forest department,” the official said, pointing out that by bringing trees on farms into the mainstream, the policy directly empowers farmers to diversify their income streams, improve soil health, and combat climate change.
The policy aims to ensure ecological resilience by promoting trees that improve soil health, conserve water, and enhance climate resilience, aligning with the goals for environmental sustainability and integrated growth.
It identifies five key constraints affecting agroforestry development in Tamil Nadu: Trees can reduce crop yields due to competition for light, water, and nutrients. Some tree species may harbour pests and diseases, which can affect nearby crops. Trees can also produce allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. In addition, tree crops have a longer gestation period, resulting in delayed financial returns. Furthermore, rapid nutrient uptake by trees may reduce soil fertility, thereby affecting agricultural productivity.
To set correct competition between trees and crops, the policy proposes research and development of suitable agroforestry models and species combinations.