India Rises to Ninth Globally in Forest Area, Maintains Third Spot in Annual Gains

India has moved up one rank to become the ninth-largest country in terms of total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The country also retained its third position worldwide in annual forest area gains.

The report states that India’s forest cover stands at 72.7 million hectares, reflecting sustained efforts in afforestation, forest protection, and community-led environmental initiatives.

“This is a major achievement in sustainable forest management and ecological conservation,” said Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, highlighting the role of government policies and programs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Globally, Russia leads with 832.6 million hectares, followed by Brazil (486 million ha), Canada (368.8 million ha), the US (308.9 million ha), China (227 million ha), Democratic Republic of Congo (139 million ha), Australia (133.5 million ha), and Indonesia (95.9 million ha).

Plantation Drives and Public Participation

Minister Yadav credited India’s rise to massive plantation efforts by state governments and public engagement campaigns, particularly ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which encourages citizens to plant trees in honour of mothers. Launched on World Environment Day, the campaign has helped foster a nationwide sense of environmental responsibility.

These combined efforts underscore India’s ongoing commitment to forest conservation, ecological balance, and sustainable development, aligning with global climate and biodiversity goals.