Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) Report 2025 – India Ranks 9th in Forest Area and 5th in Carbon Sinks

India has recorded major progress in forest conservation and climate action, advancing to the 9th position worldwide in total forest area and maintaining its 3rd rank in annual net forest area gain, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report also places India 5th among the world’s top carbon sink nations, with its forests removing 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually during 2021–2025.

India’s Rise in Global Forest Rankings

The FAO report highlights India’s achievement in expanding forest and tree cover through systematic afforestation and conservation initiatives. India’s total forest area stands at approximately 72.7 million hectares, accounting for about 2% of the global total of 4.14 billion hectares, which covers 32% of the Earth’s land area. Europe holds the largest forest share globally, while South America has the highest proportion of land under forest cover. Notably, more than half of the world’s forest area is concentrated in just five countries — Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China.

Carbon Sink Performance and Global Context

India’s forests have sequestered an estimated 150 million tonnes of CO₂ per year between 2021 and 2025, ranking fifth among global carbon sinks. During this period, global forests acted as a net sink, removing about 3.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually from the atmosphere. Asia, led by India and China, saw its forest carbon removals reach 0.9 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually, with a marked decline in deforestation-related emissions. The world’s total forest loss rate has also reduced significantly — from 10.7 million hectares per year in the 1990s to just over 4 million hectares between 2015 and 2025.

Expansion in Planted and Agroforestry Areas

India’s efforts in expanding planted forests have been particularly notable. The country accounts for 11.8 million hectares of bamboo forests — nearly 40% of the global bamboo area — and ranks fifth in the world for rubber plantations with 831,000 hectares. Agroforestry has also grown steadily; India and Indonesia together contribute nearly 70% of the global agroforestry area, amounting to about 55.4 million hectares. These expansions have supported rural livelihoods, improved biodiversity, and strengthened carbon sequestration potential.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in annual net forest area gain as per GFRA 2025.
• India’s forests remove 150 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, ranking 5th globally among carbon sinks.
• Total global forest area stands at 4.14 billion hectares, covering about 32% of Earth’s land area.
• India has 11.8 million ha of bamboo forests and contributes 9% of global wood removals.

Policy Initiatives Strengthening Forest Cover

Government schemes such as the “National Mission for a Green India (GIM)” and the “National Afforestation Programme” have been central to India’s forest expansion. Under GIM, India aims to increase forest and tree cover by five million hectares and improve quality over another five million hectares. The 2025–26 Budget has allocated ₹3,412.82 crore to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reflecting a 9% annual increase. Complementary efforts under “Mission LiFE” and initiatives like “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” are promoting sustainable lifestyles and citizen-led plantation drives. India’s steady rise in global rankings underscores the effectiveness of its environmental policies and its leadership in global climate stewardship.