Agroforestry in Maharashtra: Sustainable Farming Practices in the Konk

Maharashtra, India\'s third-largest state, is known for its diverse landscapes, from the lush Konkan coast to the arid Deccan plateau. Amid its varying topography and climate, agroforestry has emerged as a sustainable farming solution, offering ecological resilience and economic benefits to farmers. This practice, which integrates trees into agricultural systems, is helping Maharashtra bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern sustainability goals. The Historical Roots of Agroforestry in Maharashtra Agroforestry is not new to Maharashtra. Traditional practices such as Wadi farming, where fruit trees are grown alongside crops in tribal regions, reflect centuries-old knowledge of sustainable farming. The state’s history with sacred groves (Devaraai), especially in the Konkan region, highlights the cultural significance of preserving tree-based ecosystems.