Forest Research Institute

Household vulnerability has an important role in understanding its effects on socio-economic conditions. Tamil Nadu is one among the highly vulnerable Indian states to drought affecting agriculture and allied sectors. This research develops a novel household drought vulnerability index (HDVI) for 300 rural farm households in Tamil Nadu, India using crop and dairy indicators, following the approach of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Three districts were randomly selected from high (Ramanathapuram), moderate (Nagapattinam), and less (Erode) vulnerable categories of Tamil Nadu. The exposure index was calculated using secondary data on climate variables for 30 years (1984 to 2013), while sensitivity index and adaptive capacity index were calculated using primary data on various indicators for the agricultural year 2017–18. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for assigning weights to the normalized indicators. The highest weightage was found in the minimum temperature trend for rabi season (9.08) for exposure, the annual loss value of paddy crop due to drought (3.49) for sensitivity, and farm size (4.44) for adaptive capacity. Then, the households were classified into high [117 (39%)], moderate [69 (23%)] and less [114 (38%)] drought-vulnerable based on HDVI. Ramanathapuram (0.86) was highest in vulnerability, succeeded by Nagapattinam (0.60), whereas Erode (0.34) had the lowest. Besides, as per the vulnerability mapping, 82% of households in Ramanathapuram and 84% of households in Erode were high and low vulnerable to drought, respectively. More exposure and sensitivity in addition to less adaptive capacity in Ramanathapuram may be the reason for this, while vice-versa in Erode. Hence, government and policymakers could focus on regional level adaptation strategies in different vulnerable districts and give special attention to the understandings of local people to alleviate household vulnerability.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder attributed to insulin secretion and action defects, affecting a growing adult population with hyperglycemia expected to reach 578 million by 2030. This study explores the antidiabetic potential of 25% aqueous methanol extract of Cupressus torulosa needles, utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, the extract exhibited significant in vitro antidiabetic activity with an IC50, 123.45 ± 1.8 μg/mL, comparable to the standard drug acarbose (IC50, 58.21 ± 3.1 μg/mL). Toxicity assessment indicated non-toxic nature of the extract at 2000 mg/kg b.w. In STZ-induced diabetic mice, it displayed dose-dependent antihyperglycemic effects, evident at the fourth hour and 14th day, paralleling the positive control glibenclamide. In the chemical profiling of the extract using UPLC-QTOF-MS, the mobile phases consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water (Solvent A) and 100% methanol (Solvent B). The gradient elution started with 5% B (0 to 2 min) and gradually increased to 95% B by 25 min, followed by a post-run time of 2 min. Preliminarily, 50 constituents were identified, predominantly phenolics, with hypoglycemic effects attributed to flavonoids like (−)-epicatechin, amentoflavone, and cupressuflavone, as well as iridoid O-glycoside, exemplified by haprpagoside. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, and molecular mechanisms of the extract of C. torulosa needles in diabetes management.

Pokkah boeng (PB) caused by Fusarium sp. complex is a re-emerging disease that causes significant yield loss in sugarcane cultivation. Recently, the crown mealybug, Phenacoccus saccharifolii (Green), association aggravated the disease severity due to rapid spread which leads to an outbreak of the disease. The molecular association between crown mealybug and Fusarium sp. pathogens in the infected cane is not yet revealed. To understand the crown mealy bug association, the insects were collected from infected PB canes from different locations in Tamil Nadu. They were identified as P. saccharifolii based on morphological and molecular analysis of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and D2-D3 region of large ribosomal subunit gene (28S rRNA). Microflora were isolated from both the external and internal parts of P. saccharifolii. Fungal cultures were found to be present only in the external parts and they were confirmed as Fusarium sacchari based on morphological and molecular analysis using ITS and TEF-1α markers. Further, DNA was extracted from the mealy coating wax and confirmed the presence of F. sacchari using the TEF-1α gene. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the presence of microconidia in the waxy threads of P. saccharifolii. The results of the pathogenicity assay using Fusarium isolates showed symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis. The pot culture experiment proved the association of crown mealybug with F. sacchari in aggravating the disease incidence. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the molecular confirmation of crown mealybug in association with PB disease.

New insights into the drug discovery and development were based on the traditional knowledge. Tubers of Illigera grandiflora were used traditionally for the treatment of dropsy and traumatic injury in Traditional Chinese Medicine while ethnomedicinal knowledge present in Khiamniungan tribe, Nagaland, India reveals the role of I. grandiflora leaves in wound healing. In the present study, Illigera grandiflora W.W. Sm. & Jeffrey (Hernandiaceae) was evaluated for phytochemical compounds, antioxidant properties, detection of active compounds and probable mechanisms of action in wound healing. The methanolic leaf extract exhibited promising results in three antioxidants assays viz. DPPH, ABTS and Reducing Power Assay, compared to ascorbic acid as standard. (-)-Grandiflorimine/(-)-Grandifloramine, Methyl Vanillate, Ovigerine, Reticuline and Roemrefidine were identified through LC-MS. Reticuline (isoquinoline alkaloid) exhibited the most potent pharmacokinetic properties based on pkCSM models. The probable molecular mechanism of mode of action in present study was investigated through the potential of reticuline in inhibiting the HIF-1alpha degrading prolyl hydroxylase (PHDs). PHDs degrades the HIF-1 alpha under normoxia condition while under hypoxia PHDs are deactivated resulting into the activation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway by HIF-1alpha. Reticuline exhibits the potential of binding PHDs thus which may trigger VEGF pathway under normoxia conditions leading to several important physiological processes such as vasodilation of blood vessels, increases permeability of blood vessel wall, and promotion of growth and proliferation of endothelial cells that lines blood vessels. Medicinal properties such as analgesic, CNS stimulant, Dopamine receptor blocking effect, and many more were already associated and reported for reticuline suggesting in multiple mode of molecular mechanisms.

The Himalayan ecosystem, particularly the western Himalayan region of the Indian Himalayan region (IHR) forms an integral part of the global ecosystem which influences the entire Indian peninsular landmass by providing irrigational facilities to the plain regions along with high content of alluvial soil deposits. More importantly, it is a kernel of natural resources and has a rich forest resource base with great contrast in the vegetation pattern changing from Temperate to Alpine with the elevation change. The rural Himalayan communities are very close to nature and highly depend on forest resources. However, the ever-increasing pressure on these ecosystems results in further ecological damage to an already fragile landscape. The huge natural wealth of the region necessitates proper governance of the natural resource base. Economical, indirect and quick benefits from forests are much higher than the direct and sustained benefits but the continuous anthropogenic activities affect the resources at the higher side. Anthropogenic activities such as grazing, ruthless lopping, land use changes, forest fire, indiscriminate non-wood forest products (NWFP) collection, exploitation, excessive resource extraction using faulty methods, and ethical and moral changes towards sustainable management are causing disturbances in the Himalayan forests by leading to the change in the structure of forest and altering the species composition which further can accelerate succession. Though concerns are being raised about the loss of native knowledge and the possible extinction of plant resources, hence conservation and sustainable management of key habitats could contribute to safeguarding the heritage of this economically and socio-ecologically rich region.

Forest management is the operating tool for forest properties through scientific, technical, and economic principles. This chapter begins with the history of forest management in India from the British rule till the present draft national forest policy 2018. The 1988 forest policy has played a significant role in emphasizing the concept of ecological balance and environmental stability for future generations. Joint Forest Management (JFM) is an important criterion for determining the togetherness of people with the forest administration for the development and conservation of forests. In the JFM activity, the entire crux is taking care and control of the locals’ livelihood improvement by providing employment opportunities through non timber forest products (NTFP) collection, etc. As per the directions of 1952 National Forest Policy, forest cover must be one-third of the country’s total geographical area, which could be brought about by planting and afforestation schemes. The importance of forest and forest management is described in various five-year plans from 1951 to 2012 in eleven phases. The criticality and inevitability of forestry education for managing the forest in a scientific, technical, and economic perspective are also highlighted.

The result of a random experiment provides one outcome out of all possible outcomes. Statistical methods provide solution for such experiments for precise decision making under uncertainty. The decision making under uncertainty requires three principal stages where experimenter should take adequate precautions. First precaution requires appropriate application of statistical techniques for sample selection and subsequently data collection for the required variables from the specified selected units. Second precaution requires application of appropriate methods for data analysis and presentation of the analysis for achieving the objectives. Third one requires appropriate interpretation of the data analysis. This chapter discusses all the three precautions along with suitable examples of from forestry experiments using basic statistical methods. Introductory remark about the forestry experiments along with basics of statistics, that is, variable and measurement scale is elaborated with examples. Second section discusses the data collection protocol using suitable examples from forestry field for the basic experiments, that is, sampling methods and designing of the experiments. Third section deals with data analysis for forestry experiments along with suitable examples. Data analysis includes the representation of data, that is, qualitative and quantitative method of data representation. The inferential examples are included for testing of the population(s) besides modeling of the cause and effect relationship. Each example is elaborated and interpreted for precise information of the experiment as per the data analysis.

The availability of the good-quality seed is the most important requirement for successful plantation programmes. The use of high-quality seed is very important because it increases the chance of early gains by improving the establishment success and forest stand performance due to enhanced genetic gain. Knowledge and information regarding the collection and processing of tree seeds, its physical and physiological quality, types and levels of seed dormancy, breaking of dormancy through different pre-treatments to enhance germination, seed storage physiology and longevity, etc. are important. Forestry species offer good scope for quality seed production owing to seed source variability which is being explored and utilized in tree improvement programmes. The guarantee that the new stock will have good survival, growth and shape as well as be better adaptable to stressful situations or severe climates comes from using seeds from carefully chosen, healthy, well-formed trees. The science of seed technology is multidisciplinary and covers a wide range of topics. Based on contemporary agricultural and forestry sciences, seed technology encompasses, in its broadest meaning, seed biology, production, processing, storage, testing, certification, quality control, marketing, distribution and sale of seeds. For the correct handling of seed as well as the management of seed sources, an understanding of seed biology is essential. The use of any species in the plantation programme is frequently restricted by issues with seed acquisition, handling, processing and lack of technology. This chapter covers various aspects like seed development, morphology and anatomy, seed collection methods and tools, seed extraction, processing and handling, seed quality evaluation, direct and indirect tests of viability, seed dormancy and pretreatments, seed drying and desiccation, storage, seed storage facilities, standards for seed certification and future scope of forest seed technology.

Medicinal plants play an important role in primary healthcare and are an important source of income in rural areas. Herbal medicines are gaining popularity in both developing and developed countries. This trend is attributed to a growing awareness of the harmful side effects associated with many modern drugs. The current global trade value of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) stands at approximately US$62 billion. There is a projection that this trade could reach an impressive US$ 5 trillion by 2050. The rising global demand for herbal drugs has led to large-scale collection from the wild, resulting in the overexploitation of many medicinal plants. Some of these plants are now facing the threat of extinction due to this increased demand. The concept of good agricultural and collection practices (GACP) is introduced as a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring the sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation and harvesting of medicinal plants. These guidelines are crucial for maintaining the quality and efficacy of the final herbal products. GACP is presented as a way to meet the increasing demand for medicinal plants while safeguarding their populations and ecosystems. The chapter focuses on seven commercially important medicinal plants, providing an account of GACPs for Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavar), Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Gymnema sylvestre (Gudmar), Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloe), and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). The implementation of GACPs is highlighted as a means to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of these plants, maintaining quality, involving communities, and optimizing returns for all stakeholders, including farmers and collectors. Overall, the chapter underscores the importance of GACP in the medicinal plant industry to balance the increasing demand for herbal medicines with environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

Forest is the second largest land use in India next to agriculture. Protection and management of the forests in India have, at different points in the nation’s history, been under a set of rules and regulations by different dynasties. Forestry research in India is one of the oldest in the tropical world. Indian forestry research was looked upon as a model for other countries in the region. When Forest Departments were established in the several British provinces during the early 1960s, scientific forestry got its start in India. Dietrich Brandis’s appointment as the Inspector General of Forests in 1864 marked the start of the scientific era in forest management. With the advent of scientific management of forests, it became clear that organized research was necessary to facilitate proper conservation and utilization of forests in India. Dehradun has been the center of forestry education since 1884, when Imperial Forest College was established, to train rangers and foresters. It later came to be known as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, which was set up in 1906 by the Government of India for preparing a professional forestry course of high standard for the officers. Forestry research in Imperial Forest Research Institute during the pre-Independence period had two broad disciplines, viz. biological research and forest products research. The biological research discipline had silviculture, botany, and entomology as its various branches, which conducted experimental silviculture and statistical research, preparation of forest floras, and studies on forest insect pest. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, or ICFRE, was established in 1986 as a national umbrella organization to handle the needs of the nation for forestry research, teaching, and extension. Several significant accomplishments have been made since organized forestry research in India first started. These include introducing novel silvicultural techniques, improving planting stock production methods, managing diseases and pests, introducing high-yielding clones, and introducing exotic species to increase forest productivity. The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA 1976), a division of the Ministry of Agriculture, proposed the establishment of forestry education in India in 1976 with the goal of improving forest conservation, managing natural resources, and safeguarding the environment. This proposal was later included in the National Forest Policy of India (1988). India first launched university-level forestry education at Solan, Himachal Pradesh, in 1976. Following this, forestry programs were introduced by numerous agricultural universities in 1985 under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) system (ICAR 2009). The nation’s knowledge of biodiversity, ecology, and shared ground management can be strengthened, diversified, and integrated with the support of forestry education. Similarly, ICFRE has been periodically formulating and updating the forestry extension strategy for the country. Recently the “Extension Strategies in Forestry Research” was formulated for the country by ICFRE in 2011. Adopting comprehensive, cross-sectoral methods to research, teaching, and extension is necessary in light of the rising environmental issues and rising global expectations from forests in the framework of the sustainable development goals. The nation has a largely good institutional framework in place to handle concerns related to forestry research and teaching under the specialized missions of already-existing institutes. To guarantee sufficient coverage of forestry concerns and to prevent duplication or overlap of efforts, these institutions’ inter-sectoral coordination and networking must be improved. The historical development of scientific forestry is covered in this chapter, along with the main concerns of forestry research, teaching, and extension in India.

The stages of forest tree health are different in seeds, seedlings, plantations, forests and after harvesting. Losses occur resulting into seed abortion and deterioration, which directly affect the seed germination and the survival of seedlings. Diseases of leaves decrease the appearance, growth and vigour of the plants and also lead to mortality. Root pathogens kill plants or decrease their growth soon after germination till maturity. Girdling and killing of the branches and trees can be caused by bark and cambial parasites, the latter also producing lesions leading to decay. Wood discolouration and decay decrease the merchantability of wood. During storage and use, fungal attack deteriorates quality and quantity of forest produce and also adds toxic substances making it unsuitable for human consumption. In this chapter some major diseases of forest trees growing in India have been described.

In order to enhance productivity of planted forests in a short period, it is essential to adopt tools of genetic improvement followed by commercial deployment of improved planting material to harness maximum gain. The improved planting stock will not only increase the growth and productivity but will also influence survival, disease resistance and wood quality. The existing variation in the wild plays a crucial role in screening trees with desirable characteristics, as it is the platform for other components of the improvement cycle, namely breeding populations, propagation populations and production populations. One of the most important strategies would therefore be to deploy only commercial clones in production populations for increasing productivity and economic gain. The approaches of genetic evaluation and testing will be of immense use in the operationalization of commercial forestry. It is essential to subject the selected germplasm to multilocation testing (MLT) before deploying them in commercial forestry to ensure high adaptability and productivity.

Taxus contorta is an important medicinal conifer of the northwestern Himalaya. It often occurs in mixed conifer temperate forests. Taxus species primarily establish symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; however, there are reports of its association with ectomycorrhizal fungi also, although these remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the community structure of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps in the dripline area of T. contorta, along with tree community structure and soil characteristics of the forests. The study was conducted in three forests with a substantial population of T. contorta. Sporocarps of ectomycorrhizal fungi growing in the dripline area of T. contorta were collected over two years in different seasons and identified into 25 species, belonging to 12 genera. The genus Russula was the most dominant, characterized by highest richness (5 species) and highest Importance Value Index (92.7). Ectomycorrhizal sporocarp community composition was found to be influenced by soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, altitude, and most importantly the dominant tree species of the forest. The study established a foundation for understanding the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity growing in the dripline area of T. contorta, along with tree community structure and composition, and soil properties of its natural habitat, which may contribute to the development of conservation and restoration strategies for this endangered conifer.

Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken is an important tree species and holds great ecological and economical importance in the lower Western Himalaya of India. Unfortunately, its populations in the region are facing decline due to range of natural (extreme weather/edaphic conditions and invasion of invasive alien species) and human-induced disturbances (grazing, lopping for fodder and fuel wood consumption). To address this issue, a study was conducted in the Doon Valley of the lower Western Himalaya to evaluate the population status and regeneration pattern of this species. Additionally, the study aimed to identify and map the potential habitat of the Indian lac tree in this region. Therefore, a detailed vegetation study was conducted using the stratified random sampling procedure at elevations between 250 and 1000 m. The relative values of frequency, density, and abundance were used to determine the importance value index (IVI) for tree species. These IVI data was further used to re-congregate the quadrates to know the forest association; following this the multivariate analysis was conducted using PAST 4.0 software to group vegetation into different catagories. In the present study, we categorized the tree species into 8 distinct plant associations as Anogeissus − Lannea − Adina, Lannea − Mallotous − Schleichera, Schleichera − Lannea − Syzygium, Schleichera − Anogeissus − Adina, Holoptelea − Lagerstroemia − Schleichera, Schleichera − Cordia − Albizia, Shorea − Mallotous − Cassia, and Azadirachta − Senegalia − Tectona association on the basis of species dominance. The study observed a total of 177 species in S. oleosa forests, including both native and exotic species. Among these, 89 species (50.28%) were classified as trees, 31 species (17.51%) as shrubs, 37 species (20.90%) as herbs, and 20 species (11.30%) as climbers. In various associations, the overall density of S. oleosa trees ranged from 16 to 86 individuals per hectare, while the total tree density ranged from 213 to 540 individuals per hectare. The maximum density of saplings for S. oleosa was recorded as 253 individuals per hectare, while for seedlings, it was 2750 individuals per hectare. Of the eight association types that have existed in the area, the Azadirachta − Senegalia − Tectona association showed a complete failure of regeneration (absence of seedlings or saplings), while the Holoptelea − Lagerstroemia − Schleichera, Schleichera − Cordia − Albizia and Shorea − Mallotous − Cassia association showed absence of saplings. In order to create a species conservation and management plan, we utilized the MaxEnt model to develop a potential distribution map for the species. The results obtained from this model were quite satisfactory, with an AUC mean of 0.929. The model determined that an area of 152.85 km² is highly suitable for the species and could potentially be utilized for species reintroduction. Moreover, the present study emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring species populations to effectively plan the conservation and restoration efforts. It also highlights the need to develop standardized propagation techniques for mass multiplication, conserve species both in their natural habitats and in controlled environments, and raise awareness about these species among the local community.

Cupressus torulosa, an evergreen tree commonly known as the Himalayan or Bhutan cypress, is a significant coniferous species native to the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, northern India, Nepal, and Tibet....

Understanding how the traits of lineages are related to diversification is key for elucidating the origin of variation in species richness. Here, we test whether traits are related to species richness among lineages of trees from all major biogeographical settings of the lowland wet tropics. We explore whether variation in mortality rate, breeding system and maximum diameter are related to species richness, either directly or via associations with range size, among 463 genera that contain wet tropical forest trees. For Amazonian genera, we also explore whether traits are related to species richness via variation among genera in mean species-level range size. Lineages with higher mortality rates—faster life-history strategies—have larger ranges in all biogeographic settings and have higher mean species-level range sizes in Amazonia. These lineages also have smaller maximum diameters and, in the Americas, contain dioecious species. In turn, lineages with greater overall range size have higher species richness. Our results show that fast life-history strategies influence species richness in all biogeographic settings because lineages with these ecological strategies have greater range sizes. These links suggest that dispersal has been a key process in the evolution of the tropical forest flora.

In October 2023, mass mortality of 10 commercial Eucalyptus clones due to an unknown etiological agent was observed in Dehradun, northern India. A thorough examination of the affected clones revealed stem necrosis, leading to wilt and shepherd’s crook symptoms. Repeated isolations from the symptomatic stems yielded a Colletotrichum species identified based on morphological characters. Phylogenetic analyses, utilizing the internal transcribed spacer and three partial gene regions (β-tubulin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and actin), confirmed the species as Colletotrichum fructicola. Stem inoculations with C. fructicola induced disease symptoms similar to those observed on naturally infected plants. The pathogen was subsequently re-isolated from the inoculated plants, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This study represents the first documented instance of C. fructicola causing significant mortality in juvenile Eucalyptus clones (6-month-old) in India. These findings offer valuable insights for devising effective disease management strategies to mitigate the impact of this destructive pathogen.

The integration of fruit-based agroforestry systems with pulses, supported by nutrient management, presents a sustainable approach for developing nations, enhancing productivity along with soil and human health. This study evaluated the impact of planting conditions and nutrient management on the growth, yield, and soil attributes of Vigna mungo (mash) under a wild pomegranate-based agroforestry system. A factorial experiment using RBD with twelve integrated nutrient treatments (T1: RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), T2: FYM (100% N equivalent basis), T3: Vermicompost (100% N equivalent basis), T4: Goat manure (100% N equivalent basis), T5: Jeevamrut @ 500 l/ha, T6: 50% RDF + 50% FYM, T7: 50% RDF + 50% VC, T8: 50% RDF + 50% GM, T9: 50% RDF + 50% Jeevamrut, T10: 50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% VC, T11: 50% RDF + 25% GM + 25% Jeevamrut and T12: Control) were tested under both wild pomegranate canopy and open conditions, each replicated thrice. The results indicated that Vigna mungo exhibited better growth and yield parameters in open conditions compared to the wild pomegranate canopy with the T6 treatment. Post-harvest soil analysis revealed improvements in physical and chemical properties under the agroforestry system with T2. Economically, the agroforestry system with wild pomegranate + Vigna mungo yielded the highest net returns (US$ 1094.09 ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (2.72) compared to monocropping. This study accentuates the potential of integrating fruit trees with pulse crops under appropriate nutrient management to achieve sustainable practices, improved farmer incomes and improve soil and human health.

Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, is primarily linked to smoking, tobacco use, air pollution, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Genetic alterations, particularly in oncogenes like RAS, EGFR, MYC, BRAF, HER, and P13K, can lead to metabolic changes in cancer cells. These cells often rely on glycolysis for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen, a phenomenon known as aerobic glycolysis. This metabolic shift, along with other alterations, contributes to cancer cell growth and survival. To develop effective therapies, it’s crucial to understand the genetic and metabolic changes that drive lung cancer. This review aims to identify specific genes associated with these metabolic alterations and screen phytochemicals for their potential to target these genes. By targeting both genetic and metabolic pathways, we hope to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to combat lung cancer. Graphical abstract

Agroforestry presents a sustainable and effective approach to address land degradation and climate change while enhancing social and economic well-being. It is crucial to evaluate the current status of agroforestry and identify opportunities for its expansion. This includes mapping of existing agroforestry areas and conducting thorough analyses to pinpoint regions with favorable conditions for future adoption of agroforestry practices. In the present study conducted in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, geospatial technology was employed to integrate various ecological, topographical, soil, climatic, and socio-economic criteria. The analysis utilized analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and indicated that 20.78% of the area was highly suitable, 20.51% moderately suitable, 9.76% marginally suitable, 2.80% currently not suitable, and about 46.15% of the area was permanently not suitable. The generated agroforestry suitability map was cross-referenced with high-resolution images from Google Earth by generating a total of 200 random points with an overall accuracy of 83% and a kappa coefficient of 0.79. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers in allocating funds for agroforestry projects and advancing the goals of GROW report launched by NITI Aayog. Such assessments are therefore essential for guiding targeted interventions and supporting government departments and industries for greening and restoration projects.