New Delhi, June 30 -- The Centre has issued model rules for the felling of trees on agricultural land in a bid to promote agroforestry with the aim of doubling farmers' incomes, increasing tree cover outside forests and mitigating climate change. In a letter sent to all state governments on June 19, the environment ministry said the objective of "Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands" is to enhance the ease of doing business in agroforestry and incentivise farmers to integrate trees into their farming systems without facing undue procedural hurdles. "The Model Rules aim to establish a streamlined regulatory framework by providing simplified procedures for registering agroforestry lands and managing tree harvesting and transit... by promoting domestic timber production through agroforestry, the approach seeks to close the demand-supply gap, support wood-based industries with locally sourced raw materials and boost exports," the environment ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Under the new rules, "agricultural land" means lands used for the purpose of agriculture as categorised by the state government and "applicant" refers to any individual, institution, organisation owning agricultural lands seeking to register under this rule. According to the model rules, applicants are required to register their plantations on the National Timber Management System portal that is being developed. It involves submitting basic plantation data, including land ownership information, location of farm with KML file, species, plantation period etc. The applicants can periodically update the plantation information and upload geotagged photos of the plantation to ensure traceability. Applicants wishing to harvest trees can apply online through the National Timber Management System....