Coimbatore : A Multifunctional Agroforestry Model was established at the Eastern block farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) here Friday.

Dr. B.D. Sharma, Head, Division of Crop Production, ICAR Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner, Rajasthan inaugurated the sapling planting programme, where nearly 250 saplings like Red sanders, Kadamba, Teak, Moringa and Causurina were planted.

Inter crops such as curry leaf, vegetable, agricultural, flower, ornamental and forage crops were also planted, with a thatched hut in the center will monitor the activities carried out in the model.

In the present scenario, it is very much essential to maximize food production while supporting natural ecosystems and at the same time developing a model especially to suit the need of small farmers/family farming.

The concept of multi-functionality recognizes agroforestry as a multi-output activity producing not only commodities (food, wood/timber, feed, fibers, flowers, agro-fuels, medicinal products and ornamentals), but also non-commodity outputs such as environmental services (Nutrient cycling, soil formation and retention, carbon sequestration), landscape amenities and cultural heritages, Dr. V. Geethalakshmi, Director (Crop Management) of TNAU said.

Department of Agronomy and Directorate of Crop Management in TNAU, and Department of Agroforestry, Forest College and Research Institute has jointly established the model.