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Trees Outside Forests: India’s Agroforestry Potential and TOF Cover

6 February 20261 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYTrees Outside Forests:India’s AgroforestryPotential and TOF Cover6 February 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A report for the TREESCAPES congress says four high-growth industries could unlock TOF’s potential.

Key facts

  • TOF includes agroforestry, farm-boundary trees and trees on private, community and urban land.
  • Species: mango, neem, babool, coconut, palash, teak, ber, eucalyptus, rubber, katha.
  • These species are about 40% of rural trees.

Benefits

  • Less pressure on natural forests.
  • Better farm productivity and rural income.
  • Carbon sequestration, climate regulation, clean air and water, biodiversity habitat.

Exam angle

  • Event: TREESCAPES, first South Asian congress of its kind.

Test yourself

1. What share of India's total forest and tree cover is accounted for by Trees Outside Forests (TOF), as per the TREESCAPES report?

The notes state TOF makes up 36.4% of forest and tree cover.

2. Trees Outside Forests (TOF) refers to trees growing in which of these places?

TOF means trees outside notified forest areas.

3. Which of these is listed among the major TOF species in India?

Neem is named along with mango, babool, coconut and others.