Silvipastoral system for improved productivity and sustainability in the arid and semiarid tropics of India

摘要

Most tropical ecosystems are known to be fragile and prone to environmental degradation and loss of productive capacity when disturbed by human activities. The last few decades have seen unprecedented advances in amble crop production in many parts of India. The advances, referred to as "Green Revolution", were based on the breeding of new varieties which responded with high yields when provided with high levels of inputs and proper management. However, the Green Revolution had little impact upon the vast majority of the farmers who still live at the subsistence level. Fuelwood shortage has become a serious issue in the tropics, threatening the existence of natural forests and other forms of woody vegetation. Similarly, feed and fodder are in very short supply. The available resources can meet only less than half of the requirement. In a country like India, where biomass accounts for about 55% of the total energy consumed and where even in-cities like Bangalore fuelwood consumption is not insignificant (150 kg/ capita/year), appropriate systems satisfying the diverse needs of people are extremely important.