India rises to 9th in global forest area, stays 3rd in annual forest gain: FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025
India moved up to 9th place globally in total forest area, from 10th, and kept 3rd place in annual forest area gain, according to the FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released in Bali (PIB, 22 October 2025).
Summary
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali, India has moved up to 9th position in the world in total forest area. It was 10th in the previous assessment. India also kept its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced this on X, as reported by PIB on 22 October 2025. He credited government forest-protection and afforestation programmes, plantation drives by state governments and public participation inspired by the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.
Key facts
- Report
- Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025
- Released by
- FAO, in Bali
- India – total forest area
- 9th (previously 10th)
- India – annual forest gain
- 3rd (maintained)
- Announced by
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
- Campaign cited
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
Practice MCQs 3 questions
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, what is India's global rank in total forest area?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 9th
PIB: India moved up to 9th position in total forest area as per GFRA 2025; it was 10th in the previous assessment.
The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 was released by which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
PIB: GFRA 2025 was released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
Consider the following statements regarding India in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025: 1. India retained its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain. 2. The assessment was released by FAO at Rome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: India maintained its 3rd position in annual forest area gain; the GFRA 2025 was released by FAO in Bali, not Rome.