Introduction

Ancient Indian literature from Vedic times has numerous references to the variety of benefits that the trees and forests bestowed on mankind. Trees were worshiped. Growing trees and protecting them was considered as a good act. Forests are complex ecosystem provides a variety of valuable products like timber, fuel, fodder, minor forest produce and involving natural processes like conserving soil and water, combating desertification, maintaining biodiversity, enhancing carbon sequestration, moderating climate, homage for wildlife and providing aesthetic value and recreational needs for human. They are expected to contribute handsomely to the country’s development, as evidenced in many countries. The present scenario, need is met mainly from the agroforestry sector. The forests of the naion are providing to 18% of the cattle and 16% of the human population’s needs. India is also sustaining around 21.67% of the forest area under a protected area network for providing ecological security. Principal plantation species include Acacia spp. Eucalyptus spp., Tamarindus indica, and Tectona grandis are the main species established having a greater area in established forests than other species. Eucalyptus globulus, E. grandis and E. tereticornis are most common, while among the species of acacias, Acacia auriculiformis, A. catechu, A. mearnsii, A. nilotica and A. tortalis are most common. Other commonly planted broadleaf species are Albizia spp., Azadirachta indica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Dalbergia sissoo, Gmelina arborea, Populus spp. Prosopis spp., Pterocarpus spp., Santalum album, Shorea robusta and Terminalia spp. Among conifers, Cedrus deodara and Pinus roxburghii occupy a major extent; Pinus patula and P. caribaea have been planted to a limited area.