Trees for Rural Communities™

About the Project:

The 'Trees for Farmers®: Carbon Neutrality' project is an agroforestry-based initiative implemented in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. It falls under the Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) category and adheres to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), a globally recognized certification system for carbon credits, managed by Verra, an international carbon registry. This project aims to offset carbon emissions while enhancing local livelihoods through sustainable land use. The project is expected to generate 37,500  carbon credits in a period of 20 years.

Carbon credit potential:

(These estimates will be monitored using geospatial analysis, including biomass and carbon stock calculations, conducted every six months throughout the specified time period.)

Why trees?

The rural communities of Jharkhand face significant environmental and socio-economic challenges that directly impact their livelihoods. Agriculture is the primary source of income for 80% of the population, but farmers rely heavily on traditional farming methods, which are increasingly unsustainable due to erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and climate change. These challenges have led to declining crop yields, seasonal unemployment, and a loss of soil fertility. Moreover, soil erosion, water scarcity, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events further strain agricultural productivity. Jharkhand, being a prime habitat for elephants, also faces severe human-wildlife conflict, with reports highlighting over 800 human deaths and around 60 elephant deaths over the past eight years due to such conflicts. These deadly encounters, often triggered by elephants straying into farmlands in search of food and water, lead to crop destruction and significant economic losses for farmers.

In this context, integrating trees into the agricultural landscape offers a sustainable and effective solution to address these interconnected challenges. Trees can restore soil health by enhancing nutrient cycling, preventing erosion, and improving water retention, which in turn boosts agricultural productivity and helps farmers adapt to changing weather patterns. Their deep root systems help conserve soil moisture, reducing the impact of droughts, while their canopy provides shade to protect crops from extreme heat. Trees also serve as natural barriers to reduce human-elephant conflict by creating buffers between farmland and elephant habitats, providing alternative resources and habitats for elephants, which helps to keep them away from cultivated areas. Additionally, trees offer farmers diversified income opportunities through non-timber forest products such as fruits, nuts, and timber, further strengthening their economic resilience. By addressing both environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerability, the "Trees for Farmers®" project provides a holistic, long-term solution to improve the well-being of Jharkhand's rural communities while promoting ecological balance and reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Tree Species

Our project focuses on selecting tree species that thrive in Jharkhand’s diverse climatic conditions, contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem. The species we have chosen include:

• Teak (Tectona grandis): Renowned for its beauty and durability, teak is highly valued in furniture-making and construction.
• Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo): Known for its decay resistance, shisham wood is sought after for its strength and aesthetics.
• Semal (Bombax ceiba): This tree offers strong timber and soft silk cotton, useful for various applications, including bedding.
• Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis): A versatile tree that provides essential resources for local communities and serves as a food source for elephants.
• Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Valued for its nutritious flowers and fruits, mahua also supports local health and economy.
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and Mango (Mangifera indica): Both trees produce delicious fruits and are important for local diets, with mango wood also being prized.
• Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Karanj (Pongamia pinnata): These trees are known for their medicinal properties and contribute to biodiversity.

Benefits

Planting trees through the "Trees for Farmers®" project provides multifaceted benefits that extend beyond environmental restoration:

• Fodder for Livestock: Trees will provide nutritious fodder for livestock, which is essential for the local community's sustenance.
• Generating Employment: The project actively involves local farmers in all aspects of tree planting—from nursery preparation to maintenance—creating job opportunities and supplemental income through timber and fruit sales once the trees mature.
• Employment for Women: Many women participate in our tree planting initiatives, promoting gender inclusivity and empowering them economically.
• Recharge Groundwater: Trees help regulate the natural water cycle, improving water quality and contributing to groundwater recharge, which is crucial for drinking water and irrigation.
• Improve Soil Quality: By reducing erosion and enhancing soil fertility, tree planting increases agricultural productivity for local farmers.
• Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict: By providing resources like fodder and fruits, tree plantations help mitigate conflicts with wildlife, fostering coexistence.

In summary, the integration of trees into Jharkhand’s agricultural framework offers a pathway to sustainable development, enhancing livelihoods, preserving the environment, and fostering resilience against climate impacts.

Adoption summary

References:

1. United Nations Climate Actions
2. Press Information Bureau 
3. Sustainable Development Goal
4. Arbor Day Foundation
5. Verra VM0047 Methodology
6. Understanding Carbon Credits
7. Agro-Forestry FAO 
8. The Carbon Offset Market
9. https://india.mongabay.com/