R. S. DHILLON, S. K. DHANDA AND SATPAL
Krishi Vigayan Kender, Bhiwani, Directorate of Extension Education,
Department of G &PB (Forage Section)
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: rsdhillon67@gmail.com)
(Received : 9 March 2026; Accepted : 30 March 2026)
SUMMARY
The livestock sector constitutes the socio-economic backbone of the Indian agrarian landscape, supporting the livelihoods of over 70 million farm families. However, this critical sector faces an existential threat from a chronic forage deficit – currently estimated at 35.6% for green fodder and 10.95% for dry residues –now compounded by the escalating volatility of climate change. This review synthesizes the transformative potential of agroforestry as a multifaceted land-use strategy designed to bridge the forage demand-supply gap while bolstering the climate-adaptive capacity of livestock systems. By integrating woody perennials into crop and pasture lands, agroforestry functions as a “green shield,” providing essential ecosystem services: moderating microclimatic extremes, sequestering atmospheric carbon, and enhancing soil nutrient cycling. Empirical evidence from diverse agro-climatic zones, particularly the semi-arid regions of India, underscores that silvopastoral and hortipastoral models significantly expand carrying capacities and provide nutrient-dense fodder during critical lean periods. The strategic incorporation of multipurpose trees, including Prosopis cineraria, Ailanthus excelsa, Moringa oleifera, and Grewia optiva, offers a biological intervention to mitigate heat stress, thereby optimizing milk yields and weight gain in dairy animals. Despite its documented efficacy, widespread adoption is stalled by systemic hurdles, including restrictive regulatory frameworks, a scarcity of high-quality germplasm, and socio-economic constraints. This article concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift toward integrated tree-livestock landscapes, supported by robust policy interventions and decentralized nursery networks, to ensure long-term national fodder and nutritional security.
Key words: Climate resilient, agroforestry, fodder, livestock, climate change, mitigation