Tamil Nadu's New Initiative to Boost Timber Cultivation for Farmers

The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting the cultivation of high-value timber trees on agricultural lands. This program seeks to diversify farmers' income while enhancing the state's green cover. By simplifying regulations around timber harvesting and encouraging the integration of tree cultivation with traditional farming, the initiative aims to create sustainable income opportunities for farmers. The policy, part of the Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy 2026, was developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders and aims to increase the state's forest cover to 33%. This move is expected to support timber industries and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 13:34 IST

Promoting Timber Cultivation in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, March 5: The government of Tamil Nadu has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at encouraging the growth of high-value timber trees on agricultural lands. This effort is designed to help farmers diversify their income sources while simultaneously enhancing the state's green cover.

This initiative also aims to streamline the current regulations surrounding the harvesting and transportation of timber, promoting the integration of tree cultivation with traditional farming methods.

Officials have indicated that this program is expected to generate new income streams for farmers, improve soil health, and bolster climate resilience.

By allowing farmers to cultivate commercially valuable species such as teak, sandalwood, red sanders, and rosewood, the government aims to establish a sustainable supply of timber and wood-based materials, thereby alleviating pressure on natural forests.

A senior official noted that one of the primary obstacles farmers face is the intricate regulatory framework that governs the cultivation and harvesting of high-value tree species.

Currently, farmers must adhere to a variety of stringent regulations under several laws, including the Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act, 1955, Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Rules, 1967, Tamil Nadu Timber Transit Rules, 1968, Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Possession Rules, 1970, Tamil Nadu Hill Stations (Preservation of Trees) Amendment Act, 1979, and the Tamil Nadu Rosewood (Conservation) Act, 1994.

“These regulations were primarily established to safeguard valuable species, but they have inadvertently created procedural challenges for farmers interested in cultivating these trees,” the official explained.

The government intends to relax certain provisions to facilitate easier cultivation, harvesting, and transportation of timber grown on farmers' own lands,” the official added.

This initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy 2026, which was introduced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The policy outlines strategies to promote sustainable agroforestry practices, enhance farmers’ income, and increase the state’s forest and tree cover to 33 percent.

Officials stated that the policy was crafted following extensive discussions with farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Three stakeholder meetings were held to collect feedback and understand the challenges farmers encounter in adopting agroforestry practices.

The proposed regulatory adjustments will be executed in collaboration with the forest department to ensure that environmental protections are upheld while encouraging greater farmer participation.

By integrating farm-grown trees into the broader agricultural economy, the government hopes this policy will promote diversified farming, support timber-related industries, and aid in climate change mitigation through improved carbon sequestration.