Smallholder teak agroforestry in the globalising world: Opportunities and challenges for India

Abstract

Agroforestry (AGF) is a reliable option to support the high demand for wood globally, particularly in India. This paper revolves around teak, a premier wood with a bright future globally and in India as a small-scale component of AGF. Due to better economic returns and low labour intensity, fast-growing teak can contribute to domestic and global timber industries. The reduced rotational age and its usefulness as a face veneer have also encouraged small plantings. Unlike conventional teak plantations that produce 5.8 m3 per hectare (ha) per year with long rotations, well-managed farm-grown teak with genetically improved plants would produce 15 m3 per ha per year on an average in 20 to 25 years. Although enough data is available globally on the growth and yield of teak under different agroforestry conditions, this information is lacking in India. Despite its relevance to smallholders, teak does not occupy a high position on farmers' priority lists due to weak promotional efforts. The promotion of AGF's small-scale teak plantations would support rural livelihoods and employment for small businesses, which constitute nearly 80 % of India's timber markets. This review article illustrates India's potential to meet the growing domestic demand for farm-grown teak wood in agroforestry systems. It briefly discusses wood demand and consumption patterns, the importance and relevance of teak in agroforestry systems, and their role in conserving teak genetic resources.