Ministry of Environment's Agroforestry Regulatory Framework
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has implemented multiple measures to liberalize and streamline regulations governing tree felling and timber transit for agroforestry operations across India. Tree felling and transit permit issuance remain regulated by State Governments under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, State-specific Forest Acts, and court orders, with procedures and exempted species varying by state.
The Ministry has issued various guidelines and advisories to States and Union Territories to liberalize transit and felling regulations specifically to promote agroforestry. In 2022, the Ministry revised the Wood Based Industries guidelines to liberalize regulations for industries using agroforestry-grown species.
Research and Development Initiatives
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been actively pursuing tree improvement programs, having released 69 varieties and clones that are widely planted by farmers, forest departments, corporations, and wood-based industries in agroforestry and social forestry programs.
Policy Reforms and Digital Infrastructure
During May 2022, the Central Government amended export policy to make bamboo charcoal export "Free" to create greater value addition and improve profitability in the bamboo sector. In March 2023, the Ministry compiled and released a book on 'FAQ on Agroforestry' providing cultivation practices for 36 selective tree species suitable for agroforestry systems and home gardens. Additional booklets were released for four commercially important species: Agarwood, Sandalwood, Red sanders, and rosewood.
The significant digital transformation came in December 2023 with the launch of the National Transit Pass System (NTPS), a pan-India online system that streamlines and digitizes transit permit issuance for timber, bamboo, and other forest produce. The system facilitates seamless movement across state borders, reduces procedural delays, and promotes ease of doing business through online transit passes and No Objection Certificates, improving transparency, efficiency, and traceability. As of now, 436,258 Transit Passes have been issued throughout the country including Tamil Nadu.
Recent Regulatory Development
In June 2025, the Ministry issued Model Rules for "Felling of Trees in Agricultural Land" for state consideration and adoption. These advisory rules provide a framework for States and Union Territories to simplify and streamline procedures for felling and transit of trees grown on private agricultural lands, promoting greater uniformity, transparency, and ease of doing business in the agroforestry sector.
The Ministry maintains regular engagement with States and Union Territories through consultations, workshops, and capacity-building programs to facilitate agroforestry promotion. This information was provided by Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.