India’s ranking in terms of total forest area has improved to ninth from tenth place according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 released by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.

The country has maintained its third position in the world in terms of annual forest gain, the report said.

The assessment, released every five years, is based on data submitted by member countries and reviewed by the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that the development is a “reason to rejoice for all Indians”.

India’s forest cover is around 72.73 million hectares, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

In India, forest area is defined as “all lands of more than one hectare with a tree canopy density of at leas

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