New research from Georgia Tech has found that large-scale forest expansion can drive agricultural productivity—instead of reducing it. The study, published in Land Economics, analyzed one of India’s largest reforestation efforts in Rajasthan and found that crop yields rose by 24% over a 7 to 14-year period following tree planting.
The key mechanisms? Increased activity from natural pollinators and a small but statistically significant rise in rainfall—around 2%—that had a measurable effect on rain-fed crops. Irrigated fields saw no comparable gains, suggesting a direct link between localized ecological changes and improved productivity.
The research challenges longstanding assumptions that conservation and agriculture are competing land uses. According to the study’s authors—Matthew E. Oliver, Dylan Brewer, and Vikrant K. Kamble—forest expansion did not reduce available farmland. Instead, it enhanced nearby agricultural output, offering strong evidence for integrated land-use strategies that balance environmental and economic goals.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.