It’s time Nagaland seriously considers the long-term value of tree farming, not just as a means of environmental rejuvenation, but as a strategy for economic resilience. For over thirty years now, farmers in the state have been encouraged to plant trees for afforestation and to counter the often-misunderstood ‘threats’ of traditional jhum cultivation. However, tree farming — or agroforestry — is not merely about planting trees. It is about cultivating stability, generating income, and building sustainability. Tree farming in Nagaland holds untapped potential.
As global awareness about sustainable timber and eco-friendly industries rises, the demand for responsibly grown timber is growing steadily. India itself is a massive consumer of timber products, importing billions worth of wood annually.
Nagaland, with its rich biodiversity and community-based land ownership system, is well-positioned to step into this space. Tree farming is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a steady investment. Whether it’s high-value timber species or fruit and medicinal trees, the long-term returns can be substantial. Trees are a savings account rooted in soil, growing in value with each passing year. Apart from timber, farmers can also benefit from non-timber forest products.
One of the main challenges tree farmers face is accessing markets. Timber trade in India is highly regulated, with multiple clearances needed, often discouraging genuine growers. To promote tree farming in Nagaland, the government must streamline the process of harvesting and selling timber, create farmer-friendly guidelines, and ensure access to legal timber markets.
Additionally, establishing linkages with national and international timber buyers, setting up district-level wood depots, and promoting farmer cooperatives for marketing can help smoothen the journey from planting to profit, encouraging farmers to commit to long-term tree cultivation.
It is also crucial to promote awareness that tree farming complements conservation. A well-managed tree farm protects soil, improves groundwater recharge, and reduces pressure on natural forests.
Nagaland already has the land, the climate, and the traditional wisdom to make tree farming a success. What it now needs is a coordinated push from policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to turn this green opportunity into a sustainable economic backbone for the future.