GEKU, 7 Aug: The Upper Siang KVK here organised a training-cum-sapling distribution programme as part of the 'Agroforestry for Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Livelihoods' initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) on Friday.

The programme highlighted the role of agroforestry in enhancing farm productivity, conserving natural resources, improving soil health, and creating sustainable income opportunities through the integration of multipurpose tree species with agricultural crops.

Farmers were trained in scientific agroforestry practices, including species selection, planting techniques, spacing, and long-term agroforestry management.

To translate knowledge into action, 15 selected farmers from different parts of Upper Siang district were provided with quality planting materials comprising neem, agar, tree bean, guava (L-49 and red guava), jackfruit (J-33), Indian bay leaf (tejpat)and cocoa varieties VTLCH-1 and VTLCH-2.

The distribution is expected to promote establishing model agroforestry units that would inspire wider adoption of tree-based farming across the district.

A major highlight of the programme was the introduction of cocoa to the district for the first time, marking a milestone in crop diversification and opening new avenues for high-value, climate-smart agriculture in the region.

The KVK expressed confidence that the initiative would not only strengthen farmers' resilience to climate change but also contribute to biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and enhanced household income through diversified farming systems.

The enthusiastic participation of farmers and their commitment to establishing agroforestry models reflected the growing interest in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture across the district, the KVK informed in a release.