According to the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, India advanced to the 9th position worldwide in total forest area, up from 10th in the previous assessment. India maintained its 3rd position globally in annual net gain of forest area. As per ISFR 2023, India's total forest cover is 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of geographical area) and total forest and tree cover is 8,27,357 sq km (25.17%). Top states in forest cover increase include Chhattisgarh (684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km), and Rajasthan (394 sq km).
India 9th Globally in Forest Area as per FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025
AQuick answer
India ranked 9th globally in forest area per FAO GFRA 2025, up from 10th; 3rd in annual net forest gain.
Key facts
- India ranked 9th worldwide in total forest area (up from 10th) per FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025
- India maintained 3rd position globally in annual net gain of forest area
- As per ISFR 2023, India's total forest cover is 7,15,343 sq km (21.76% of geographical area)
- Total forest and tree cover is 8,27,357 sq km (25.17% of geographical area)
- Top states in forest cover increase: Chhattisgarh (684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km), and Rajasthan (394 sq km)
Mains angle
Q: Discuss India's advance to 9th globally in forest area per FAO GFRA 2025 and evaluate conservation trends using ISFR 2023 data.
Answer (50 words):
Per the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India advanced from 10th to 9th worldwide in total forest area and retained 3rd in annual net gain. ISFR 2023 records forest cover at 7,15,343 square kilometres and total forest-and-tree cover at 8,27,357 square kilometres; Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan led cover gains.
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Biodiversity & ConservationScience & TechnologyPhysiographic DivisionGeography of India
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What is the amount of annual aid for small farmers doing traditional bullock-based farming in Rajasthan?
Explanation · Correct answer C
Rajasthan Budget 2025-26 provides ₹30,000 annually for traditional bullock-farming families.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What is India's ranking in global forest area per FAO GFRA 2025?
India ranked **9th globally in total forest area** per **FAO GFRA 2025**, up from 10th. India maintained its **3rd position globally** in annual net gain of forest area.
What is India's annual net forest gain ranking per FAO 2025?
India is **3rd globally in annual net forest area gain** per **FAO GFRA 2025**, while ranking **9th in total forest area** (up from 10th).
What does FAO GFRA 2025 say about India's forests?
**FAO GFRA 2025** ranks India **9th globally in total forest area** (up from 10th) and **3rd in annual net forest gain**, reflecting sustained conservation and afforestation efforts.
How did India's forest area ranking change in FAO GFRA 2025?
India's **total forest area ranking improved from 10th to 9th globally** in **FAO GFRA 2025**, while maintaining **3rd in annual net forest gain**.
What is ISFR 2023 and how does it relate to FAO GFRA 2025?
**ISFR (India State of Forest Report) 2023** documents India's domestic forest cover. **FAO GFRA 2025** uses it to rank India **9th globally in total forest area** and 3rd in annual net forest gain.
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