Trees for Farmers®

About the Project 

Rajasthan's Baran district is home to beautiful valleys and wooded hills. Like most of Rajasthan, Baran is primarily dry, receiving rainfall only during the monsoon season. The livelihood of many people in Shahabad tehsil of Baran district is reliant on agriculture, labor, and animal husbandry. Both Kharif and Rabi crops are used for agricultural operations. Rabi cultivation mostly relies on groundwater, while Kharif cultivation is rain-fed. 

To support the farmers in this region and enable them to supplement their income, our Trees for Farmers® project involves planting of trees on the fringes of farmers’ lands to generate employment through plantation activities. The trees will also improve the microclimatic conditions of the area and help in recharging groundwater sources, thereby improving farmers' quality of life and agricultural output. 

Why Trees for this Project? 

• An article by Central Ground Water Board on Ground Water Scenario Baran District states that “Rainfall in the district is the main source of groundwater recharge. Due to less rainfall and increased groundwater withdrawals, the groundwater levels are declining in some parts of the district.” It further highlights that “Due to pressure of population and improvement in the standard of living, the demand of fresh water for both agriculture and domestic use has substantially increased. This has led to a sharp increase in groundwater withdrawal.”

• In the article,  ‘Rajasthan Urban Sector Development Investment Program’, Local Self Government Department mentions “Baran, as a district headquarter, has a special administrative status and is a resource-rich region. It continues to be the main regional center for trade and commerce and various socio-economic activities since a major portion of nearby Tehsils is irrigated by the Chambal Canal System which is sourced at Kota The main economy of the town is regulated by Agriculture and related activities. “

Tree Species

We are careful in making sure that the trees for this plantation site are local species that are well-suited to the area so we can create an ecosystem where the trees can thrive. Great care is taken in identifying the most suitable locations for the planting of trees and selecting the appropriate tree species that can adapt to the local climate and soil conditions. This will result in optimal benefits for the communities and the wildlife.

We have planted Amla (Emblica officinalis), Shisham(Dalbergia sissoo), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) for this project. These trees were chosen for both their ecological and social benefits. The Amla tree produces commercially profitable fruit. Sheesham and Teak are valued for their wood. The Earleaf Acacia is an exotic species with little ecological value, but the villagers can use it as fuel because the population in this region relies heavily on wood as a fuel source.

Making a Difference The Impact of Your Support

Trees support the environment, biodiversity, and local communities in multiple ways.*

Strengthening the livelihood of farmers
From pit digging to the upkeep of saplings, farmers are involved in every step of the plantation process to generate employment for them. Farmers can use the forest produce such as fodder, fruits, fuelwood, etc., and other NTFPs for personal consumption as well as for market sale to generate additional income. 

Employment for women
Tree plantation activities employ women as many women workers participate in our projects. 

Recharge Groundwater
Groundwater recharge happens when water from rainfall and other sources soaks into the ground and refills underground water sources. As the trees loosen the soil, water percolates deep into the ground, boosting groundwater levels. This is important in ensuring that farmers get a better yield on their farms and that the water requirements of villagers are met adequately. 

Carbon sequestration
Trees do an excellent job absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A mature tree can absorb about 20 kg of CO2 each year. Trees keep the temperature cool and reduce atmospheric stressors. 

Revive Biodiversity
To ensure that our efforts have a positive impact on the environment, we conduct a rigorous assessment of the planting site and carefully select the trees that align with the location and the community. Additionally, trees support the wildlife population of the region.

*The environmental benefits of the trees reach their full potential as they mature.