DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT A study on assessment of tree growth on farmlands as farmers perception in District Charsadda was conducted to estimate the growth of trees on farmlands and determine the status of farm forestry in District Charsadda. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a social survey was conducted in the area and information was collected through a semi structured questionnaires. Fifty respondents were interviewed in selected sample villages using multi-stage random sampling techniques. The sampling intensity was 0.1%. The results revealed that all farmers have planted trees on their farmlands. Poplar is the main species, followed by Eucalyptus, Bakain, Ailanthus and Kikar. Though farm forestry is practiced in the area since ancient times, the modern commercial farm forestry has been started in the last three decades. Driving forces for adoption of farm forestry include inspiration from other farmers, self-initiatives and quick economic return. Majority of the respondents (72%) have planted trees for commercial purpose. The average number of trees per acre is 100. There has been a considerable increase in the number of trees on farmlands since 1990. The normal spacing between plants on the boundaries of field is 2-3 feet whereas in case of compact plantations it is 3x3 or 4x4 feet. About 48% of the respondents procured saplings from private nurseries whereas 42% of the farmers produce planting stock in their own nurseries. Majority (82%) of the respondents reported that trees have negative effects on agricultural crops which results in loss of agricultural crop in the range of 20-50%. On the average the loss is 30%. However, the loss in agricultural crop is much below than the income from sale of trees on farmlands. Thus, farm forestry is a very profitable activity that has multiple benefits including source of cash income. The study recommends to diversify tree species and include more species particularly nitrogen fixing native species such as Kikar, Shisham and Siris in the farmland plantations. There is also need to educate farmers on optimum spacing for plantations of different species in the area. Keywords: Agroforestry, Tree growth, Plantation, Poplar, Farmland.