June 2025
The agroforestry-based model that integrates Salix (willow) plantations with leguminous intercrops and high-value horticultural crops offers a practical and climate-resilient solution for degraded land reclamation. This model demonstrates that farmer-led innovations, backed by institutional support, can create replicable pathways for climate resilience.
In the lower hills of Himachal Pradesh, where erratic rainfall and degraded soils pose severe challenges to farming, Mr. Ankush, a progressive farmer, faced a tough reality—he owned a large tract of barren land that had little or no productivity. The region’s fragile ecology, depleted soil health, and unpredictable climate made conventional agriculture nearly impossible on his land. But instead of giving up, Mr. Ankush explored climate-resilient alternatives that would transform both his land and livelihood.
Twelve years ago, Mr. Ankush decided to take a bold step. The problem was clear: poor soil fertility, lack of water retention, and absence of any economic output. The solution had to be nature-based, low-cost, and suited to local agro-ecological conditions. After consultations with experts, he visited the Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (Dr. YSPUHF), Nauni. He saw the field demonstration of the improved clones of willow (Salix species).
Mr. Ankush decided to plant improved clones of Salix (willow), a fast-growing, hardy tree species known for its ecological and commercial value. Willows are known for rapid establishment, extensive lateral rooting, and high evapotranspiration during the growing season, making them ideal for soil conservation even in seasonally waterlogged or grazed hill terrains. Willow clones play a pivotal role in restoring soil fertility through enhanced nutrient cycling, organic matter deposition, improved soil structure, increased water infiltration, and effective erosion control. As deciduous species, their leaf litter contributes significantly to organic matter, promoting microbial activity and improving soil aggregation. The fibrous root system of willow, characterized by an extensive network of fine roots, allows efficient absorption of water and nutrients while anchoring the soil to prevent erosion.
The Process
In 2013, Mr. Ankush procured superior Salix clones, and technical support was provided by scientists at Dr. YSPUHF, Nauni, Solan HP. These clones were carefully selected for their adaptability, straightness (a desirable trait for industrial use), and ease of propagation through stem cuttings. He established willow plantations on degraded land. Complementary to willow cultivation, the farmer adopted cover cropping with legumes such as rajmash and pea, which contributed to atmospheric nitrogen fixation, improved microbial diversity, and further enriched the soil organic content. Encouraged by these improvements, apple saplings were planted in the restored area to enhance income potential.
Mr. Ankush received comprehensive institutional backing, including the supply of superior willow clones and technical guidance from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). This support encompassed plantation techniques (pit digging, spacing, pit filling media), irrigation scheduling, and weed management. Regular monitoring through field visits by KVK scientists and exposure visits to established willow plantations at Dr. YSPUHF further strengthened the farmer’s capacity and ensured scientific management of the land.
Impact
Willow clones offer diverse economic returns depending on their end use. These include fodder (leaves and young stems), biomass for phytoremediation, fuelwood, and poles for craft-based activities such as basketry. Commercial harvesting for fuelwood and poles typically begins around 12 years post-establishment, aligning with the maturation of the plantation. Today, Mr. Ankush earns a steady income from the sale of Salix wood for timber, fuelwood, and industrial applications. These willow clones, being straighter than traditional Indian willows, fetches higher prices and are in demand in industries such as plywood manufacturing, sports goods (notably cricket bat production), and even as substrates for shiitake mushroom cultivation.
The ecological impact was visible within a few years. What was once barren land turned into a vibrant green belt, attracting birds, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the local microclimate. The improvement in moisture in soil helped in growth of other ground flora.
During the restoration phase, the farmer sustained his livelihood by cultivating apples and leguminous crops on a separate parcel of land. This ensured a steady income while the degraded plot underwent ecological recovery through willow-based interventions.
The initiative had a ripple effect on the community. Neighbouring farmers, once skeptical, began to adopt similar models. Encouraged by the ease of propagation and visible benefits, many started planting Salix on their degraded fields—adopting agro-forestry as a climate-resilient livelihood strategy.
Succes factors
The success of the willow-based land restoration model can be attributed to a combination of context-specific, scientific, and socio-economic factors. Firstly, the use of willow clones adapted to local agro-climatic conditions ensured high survival rates and effective establishment on degraded land. Scientific support played a crucial role, with continuous technical guidance from Dr. YSPUHF and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) covering clone selection, planting techniques, irrigation, and periodic monitoring. The intervention was low-cost, requiring minimal inputs and maintenance, making it highly accessible to small and marginal farmers. A key feature of the model was its integrated and phased approach—beginning with willow planting for ecological restoration, followed by leguminous intercrops for soil enrichment, and eventually introducing fruit crops like apple for income generation. This ensured gradual but sustainable transformation of the land while providing economic opportunities. Above all, the farmer’s vision, patience, and long-term commitment were pivotal. His consistent efforts over 12 years, combined with institutional backing, resulted in the successful conversion of wasteland into a productive and climate-resilient agroforestry system.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This initiative exemplifies a replicable agroforestry-based land restoration model that integrates Salix (willow) plantations with leguminous intercrops, followed by the introduction of high-value horticultural crops like apple. It is a farmer-led innovation, reinforced by scientific and institutional support, offering a practical and climate-resilient solution for degraded land reclamation.
Mr. Ankush’s story exemplifies the potential of climate-smart agroforestry in converting degraded, unproductive land into sustainable assets. His model demonstrates that farmer-led innovations, backed by institutional support, can create replicable pathways for climate resilience. It also highlights the urgent need for policy frameworks that incentivise tree-based farming systems, support long-rotation crops, and provide market linkages for non-traditional farm produce. As climate change continues to challenge conventional agriculture, such field-based experiences offer not just lessons, but hope.
Dr.Shikha Bhagta, Dr.Usha Sharma, Dr.Ajay Bragta, and Dr. Nagender Pal Butail Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohru, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171207 Email: bhagtashikha@gmail.com Dr. Jai Pal Sharma College of Horticulture and Forestry, Thunag, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – 173230.
