New Delhi, July 1 -- In a major step to promote agroforestry and support ease of doing business in tree-based farming, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands.

These rules are designed to help States and Union Territories (UTs) streamline regulatory procedures and encourage sustainable tree farming on farmlands.

Agroforestry combines agriculture and forestry, offering several benefits such as improved rural livelihoods, better soil health, biodiversity conservation, increased tree cover, water conservation, and enhanced climate resilience.

The model rules aim to simplify procedures related to land registration, tree harvesting, and timber transit...