). F statistics (p < 0.05) showed significant differences between the material and non-material values, tangible and non-tangible benefits and resources groups. Correlation co-efficients (r) confirmed the importance of socioeconomic attributes in influencing people's perceptions, attitudes and preferences in agroforestry. The findings will help to refine and enrich the knowledge-base to provide an effective framework for decisions and policy making to sustain and maintain agroforestry health and services. The integration of people's socio-psychological conditions in sustainable agroforestry management will be effective strategy commensurating the current development and future challenges.

:The traditional agroforestry systems have gained wider attention in the international agreements and among academicians and policy makers for their multifunctional role and dynamics of ecosystem services. The multifunctional traditional agroforestry systems support substantial ecosystem services and livelihoods to the rural communities in Kashmir. They are considered to be adaptive to the climate change situations and serve as efficient means to carbon sinks. Due to the remarkable significance of traditional agroforestry systems in the valley ecosystem, environment and livelihood, the systems have been considered as a promising land use pattern in the valley. With climate change rapidly impacting both ecosystems and services in the valley, the sustainability of dynamic traditional agroforestry systems is now facing new challenges and vulnerabilities. Indigenous knowledge on traditional agroforestry is an integral part of the culture and history of the local communities which offer opportunities for sustainable management of resources and support socio-ecological and socio-economic benefits. The indigenous knowledge on agroforestry needs to be further strengthened through research and development to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

Performance of two fodder crops namely, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated with Willow (Salix alba L.) to evaluate productivity and economics of the silvopastoral agroforestry system in Kashmir valley. The experiment was laid out by planting two year old willows at 2.0m × 2.0m spacing and dividing the main plot into sub-plots of size 8m × 2m each with 5 replications in randomized block design (RDB). The intercrops of sorghum and maize were maintained at 20cm × 10 cm spacing and supplied with recommended doses of fertilizers. The economics of the willow plantation intercropped with fodder crops was compared with sole willow farming by the benefit-cost ratio and net present worth. The study revealed the differential behaviour of Salix alba regarding growth parameters (height, diameter and girth) by different intercrops and various fodder intercrops with respect to yield, above ground biomass, dry matter production and soil nutrient status (pH, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The willow based silvopastoral system was estimated to have benefit-cost ratio of 2.71 with maize and 2.68 with sorghum, while as sole crop the willows accrued a benefit-cost ratio of 2.66. The study is useful in discovering growth of willows, productivity of fodder crops and soil nutrient status under various silvopastoral agroforestry systems for maximizing economic gains. The findings envisaged evidences in favour of adopting willow based silvopastoral agroforestry instead of sole tree farming and the knowledge of interactions will be helpful in proper management of the system for sustained multiple productions.

The present study was undertaken to collect the information regarding ethnomedicinal practices of Acorus calamus and data were collected by using a well-designed interview schedule from local herbal heelers called “Hakeems, Bohris”  experts in the Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, local collectors. The results indicated that the main ailment categories that are treated by Acorus calamus include skin diseases, renal/urinary disorders, muscular/skeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, eye diseases, fever and others. These diseases were treated traditionally by using its different parts after proper processing and at prescribed treatment procedure by the concerned Hakeem, bhoris, Ayurvedic and Unani doctors. The analysis also indicates that 65% of the rhizomes followed by 15% of leaves, 12% of root hairs, whole plant 8% are used for treatment of many diseases under ethno-medicines. Modes of utilization or preparations were powder, paste, decoction and juice. The treatments of diseases with A. calamus enumerated in this study  have given some useful leads for further biomedical research. Nevertheless, more phytochemical, pharmaceutical and clinical studies are needed to evaluate protective properties, efficacy and safety of all the claimed medicinal treatments.

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