New Delhi, April 24 -- In the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand, farming has traditionally leaned on wooden ploughs crafted from local trees, especially hardwood varieties found in nearby forests. While these tools have been an essential part of the region's agrarian culture, their widespread use over generations has quietly contributed to deforestation.

As trees were routinely cut down to make ploughs and other implements, the fragile ecosystem - already vulnerable due to the steep slopes and unpredictable weather - began to feel the strain.

In response, a gradual shift toward iron ploughs has emerged, encouraged by both environmental awareness and the support of local NGOs and government schemes focused on sustainable farming.

The transi...