Trees for Villagers™

About the Project

The planting site is situated in the northeastern part of Maharashtra, a region known as Vidarbha, which boasts abundant floral and faunal diversity. This richness is due to the proximity of the planting site to various forests, including Tipeshwar and Painganga wildlife sanctuaries. The local population consists mainly of villagers whose livelihoods revolve around agriculture and labor-intensive work. As per Census India 2011, within this population, several tribal communities, such as Andh, Paradhis, Gond, Kolam, and Banjara, collectively make up around 6% of village Palodi’s total population.^[1]

Unfortunately, the adverse impacts of climate change are exacerbating the area's already hot and arid climate, leading to repercussions for agriculture, health, and the socio-economic conditions of the villagers. To counteract these effects, the implementation of a plantation initiative holds promise. This effort would not only combat soil erosion but also contribute to cooling the local environment and recharging groundwater reserves. Through the cultivation of native trees, the project aims to foster biodiversity, thereby enhancing the village's aesthetic appeal and creating a more conducive habitat for various species.

Tree Species

For this planting site, we are planting trees that are indigenous to the area and hold both ecological and medicinal significance, rendering them highly advantageous to the local community. These carefully selected tree species offer not only environmental benefits but also opportunities for the villagers to derive value from their produce, either for consumption or as a supplementary source of income.

Among these species, Pongamia pinnata (Pongam tree) stands out for its bio-oil production potential. The inclusion of Tectona grandis (Teak) offers a promising source of high-quality timber. Cassia siamea (Kashid) brings forth medicinal attributes along with wood resources. Annona squamosa (Custard apple) contributes by yielding delicious fruits and the species known as Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham) is also grown in this area.

By planting these tree species, the project not only addresses ecological concerns but also works towards the well-being of the local community.

Social Impact

The multifaceted benefits of this initiative extend to the villagers. Firstly, it offers employment opportunities through the plantation drive itself. The yields generated from these plantations provide an extra source of income for the local residents. It will also serve as a means to empower women within the community through various plantation activities. As a direct outcome, the local population will gain access to a range of forest-derived products, including fodder, fruits, fuelwood, and timber, all of which are vital for their daily needs. This approach aims to reduce their reliance on local forest patches for necessities such as fodder and fuelwood.

Furthermore, the positive impact extends to our environment. The improvement in groundwater levels and reduction in soil erosion will play a pivotal role in improving agricultural yields. The consequential recharge of groundwater resources will effectively cater to the water requirements of the villagers. This holistic approach will enrich the area's biodiversity, thereby contributing to the overall ecological health of the region.

^[1] Census Data India 2011 - Palodi Village Population - Darwha, Yavatmal, Maharashtra