Consider the following statements about the Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) program: 1. The TOFI program is a joint initiative of India and the The United Nations Forum on Forests to increase green cover outside forest lands in India. 2. The program will be implemented by a consortium led by Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). 3. It is implemented in 7 states – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujrat, and Uttar Pradesh. How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 1. In News The Hindu: How can small-scale farmers benefit from trees on farms? Key Points Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) program: The TOFI program is a joint initiative of India and the United States to increase green cover outside forest lands in India. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. It was jointly launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the USAID. It aims to bring together farmers, private entities and businesses to expand the tree cover in India in places like farms, pastures, meadows, parks, cities, roadsides, near rivers and other non-forest landscapes. This will significantly address concerns regarding pollution and habitat loss. It is expected to enhance carbon sequestration, strengthen climate resilience of agriculture and support India’s national goals, international commitments and also provide impetus for “Lifestyle for Environment” movement. The program will be implemented by a consortium led by Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). Hence, statement 2 is correct. It is implemented in 7 states – Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. The US has allocated up to Rs.25 million under this program. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. Additional Information United States Agency for International Development ( USAID): USAID is an independent agency of the US government that administers civilian foreign aid and development assistance. It was created by John F Kennedy in 1961 . The Agency’s aids are authorized by the US Congress . It works chiefly in the areas of reducing poverty and furthering democratic governance .