Thematic Session Highlights Capacity Building and Extension Strategies for Scaling Agroforestry at TREESCAPES 2026

5 February 2026, New Delhi

The Thematic Session on “Capacity Building, Extension and Innovation for Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) Expansion” was successfully held today during TREESCAPES 2026 the 1st South Asian Agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests Congress at NASC New Delhi.

The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Babita Bohra, CIFOR–ICRAF, India, who underscored the importance of collaborative knowledge sharing to strengthen agroforestry and agricultural extension systems.

The session was moderated by Dr. Ranjay K. Singh, Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, who encouraged constructive dialogue among researchers, extension professionals, policymakers, and practitioners to promote integrated and scalable agroforestry solutions.

Providing strategic direction, the Chair of the session, Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, emphasized the pivotal role of a robust and responsive extension system in scaling agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF). He highlighted the need to strengthen last-mile farmer outreach, enhance research–extension linkages, and ensure effective transfer of field-tested technologies.

The Co-Chair and Session Convener, along with expert inputs from Toon De Bruyn (CIFOR–ICRAF) and Dr. J. C. Dagar, Former Assistant Director General, ICAR, reinforced these perspectives through practical insights and global experience.

Deliberations reflected on India’s leadership in agroforestry research since the 1980s, including the launch of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Agroforestry, establishment of ICAR–Central Agroforestry Research Institute, and adoption of the National Agroforestry Policy (2014). These milestones have enabled state-level policy frameworks, strengthened quality planting material systems, and facilitated development of region-specific agroforestry technologies.

The session featured three key presentations, two rapid-fire talks, and panel discussions focusing on innovation, partnerships, and effective outreach strategies. Speakers emphasized region-specific models, digital advisory tools, and strong research–extension linkages as key enablers of climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

Evidence presented during the session highlighted the contributions of agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests (TOF) to carbon sequestration, livelihood security, and environmental resilience. Farmer-led innovations were showcased for enhancing incomes, strengthening natural resource management, and expanding opportunities for women. Challenges related to markets, credit access, price stability, and policy support were also discussed, underscoring the need for coordinated, system-level interventions.

The session stressed the importance of capacity building and education, including integration of agroforestry into academic curricula and promotion of replicable, farmer-driven models for sustainable and market-oriented expansion.

Key Recommendations

Strengthen frontline extension systems by embedding TOF and agroforestry into extension training and advisory services, equipping personnel with practical, field-tested technologies.
Identify region- and site-specific high-value tree species and agroforestry systems and demonstrate them on farmers’ fields to enhance credibility and adoption.
Scale climate-resilient and indigenous agroforestry systems integrating trees with crops, livestock, water conservation, and carbon-sequestering practices through scheme convergence and targeted incentives.
Reorient agricultural extension services for AF–TOF by leveraging digital advisory tools and strengthening research–extension coordination.
Promote integrated capacity development focusing on entrepreneurship, value-chain development, climate-smart practices, and farmer-led innovations.
Mainstream agroforestry in education and skill development in alignment with NEP, UGC, and NCERT frameworks.
Improve market access and financial enablers through assured markets, transparent pricing, affordable credit, insurance, and supportive policy safeguards.
Develop credible methodologies for evaluating environmental services and carbon benefits to facilitate fair carbon trading and build farmer confidence.
Adopt inclusive, scalable, and market-oriented approaches balancing productivity, sustainability, adoptability, and marketability.

The session concluded with a consensus that agroforestry and Trees Outside Forests systems can succeed only when they are productive, sustainable, farmer-friendly, and economically viable. Participants emphasized the need for inclusive, scalable, and well-integrated approaches to ensure long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits.