India’s National Biomass Mission – SAMARTH (Sustainable Agrarian Mission on use of Agro Residue in Thermal Power Plants) is a revolutionary initiative aimed at addressing two of the nation’s most critical challenges—air pollution and rural economic distress. While the mission primarily seeks to utilize crop residue (biomass) as fuel for power generation, there’s a growing global appreciation for India’s agroforestry policy, which offers an even more sustainable and long-term solution than seasonal paddy cultivation.
The United Nations (UN) has recognized India’s agroforestry model as a benchmark for other nations, praising its environmental, economic, and climate-resilient benefits.
What is SAMARTH?
Launched under the umbrella of the Ministry of Power, the SAMARTH mission encourages the use of agricultural residue such as paddy stubble, which is otherwise burned across states like Punjab and Haryana, contributing to massive seasonal air pollution. By promoting the procurement and co-firing of biomass in thermal power plants, SAMARTH aims to:
- Reduce stubble burning and related pollution
- Increase farmer income through biomass sales
- Promote renewable energy and reduce dependency on coal
However, SAMARTH is reactive—it manages the waste after the damage of monoculture farming has already been done.
Agroforestry: A Proactive & Sustainable Alternative
In contrast, agroforestry is a nature-positive, economically viable, and climate-resilient land-use system where trees and crops are grown together. Instead of managing crop residue, agroforestry minimizes its creation altogether.
Key Benefits of Agroforestry over Seasonal Paddy Cultivation:
| Factor | Agroforestry | Paddy Cultivation |
|---|---|---|
| Water Usage | Low | Extremely high |
| Soil Health | Improves with organic matter and nitrogen fixation | Degrades due to chemical use |
| Air Pollution | Zero residue burning | Stubble burning widespread |
| Income Stability | Year-round income from wood & fruit | Seasonal income, price fluctuations |
| Carbon Sequestration | High | Negligible |
| Supply chain ecosystem | Already exist due to plantation by paper industry and traditional demand ways | Subsidy pushed only, economics not working |
UN Recognition: India’s Agroforestry Policy Sets Global Benchmark
India’s National Agroforestry Policy (2014) was the first of its kind globally. The policy integrates trees into farming systems, encourages private sector participation, and streamlines regulations for growing and transporting timber.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other international bodies have lauded India’s efforts, citing it as a model for:
- Combating desertification and land degradation
- Doubling farmers’ incomes
- Meeting climate goals under the Paris Agreement
- Enhancing biodiversity and carbon sinks
India’s success stories in states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra—where agroforestry has replaced water-guzzling paddy with poplar, eucalyptus, and fruit trees—demonstrate the real impact of the policy on the ground. The
Agroforestry + SAMARTH: A Combined Vision for India’s Biomass Future
While SAMARTH is essential for immediate mitigation of pollution and energy diversification, agroforestry ensures long-term sustainability:
- SAMARTH addresses the symptom (residue management)
- Agroforestry addresses the root cause (monoculture and crop choices)
Together, these can be synergized for a circular rural economy, where:
- Tree plantations offer consistent biomass
- Farmers earn stable income without depleting water resources
- Thermal plants get regular biomass without relying on seasonal stubble
Call to Action
With rising awareness of environmental degradation and climate change, it is time to mainstream agroforestry through:
- Farmer training programs
- Carbon credit incentives for tree plantations
- Integration with government schemes like MGNREGA and PM-KUSUM
- Digital platforms for wood marketing and valuation
Conclusion
India’s SAMARTH Mission is a bold step towards greener energy, but to achieve true sustainability, agroforestry must lead the way. With UN recognition, global climate benefits, and farmer-centric advantages, agroforestry isn’t just a farming method—it’s a blueprint for the future of rural India.
As the world watches, India’s agroforestry revolution is proving that sustainable development and economic growth can go hand in hand.
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