Greening and Restoration of Wastelands with Agroforestry (GROW)

Best practices, such as agroforestry, provide a productive and affordable way for India to meet its commitments to land degradation neutrality and climate change adaptation. (Report of the NITI AAYOG)

CSRA aims to restore at least 500 hectares of wasteland within the next 5 to 7 years through a community-led agroforestry development process. As part of this initiative, CSRA has begun wasteland restoration in selected tribal villages by digging pits for the planting of forest and fruit species, alongside a plan for seasonal vegetable production. In phase I, as part of the wasteland development strategy, primary tasks such as cutting ponds, trenches, and installing vegetative fencing were completed. The water sourced from the recently dug pond and contour trench will satisfy the hydration needs of the plants, while simultaneously generating extra revenue through fish farming and duck rearing. Enclosing the pond with a plantation will help to minimise excessive evaporation. Before planting, pit digging was completed a year ago to improve soil moisture and nutrients. An example of this work can be seen in the Benachapor tribal village.

Agroforestry involves integrating trees, crops, and/or livestock on the same land to boost farm productivity and resilience, while providing essential ecological services. Therefore, it offers a promising land-based transformation solution with multiple co-benefits.

CSRA aims to promote agroforestry to enhance farmers' income, expand green cover, and support natural resource conservation, as well as the production of forest-based non-timber forest products and rural development in selected degraded and wasteland areas with varying degrees of degradation. It is an ideal strategy to restore most of the degraded and wasteland areas.