In celebration of the 50th birthday of Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol, Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation in the Indian central government, Shri Saket Marwad has spearheaded a meaningful tree plantation initiative to support Maharashtra’s farmers. This agroforestry-focused effort is dedicated to honoring Shri Mohol’s commitment to sustainable development and the prosperity of rural communities.

By planting a variety of native and beneficial trees, this initiative aims to enrich Maharashtra’s agroforests, boosting biodiversity and soil health while creating a sustainable source of livelihood for farmers. The trees planted will contribute to a resilient agricultural ecosystem, providing shade, soil enrichment, and resources for local farming communities. Shri Marwad’s tribute through agroforestry embodies a deep-rooted vision for Maharashtra’s green future, inspired by Shri Mohol’s dedication to the state’s welfare and environmental sustainability.

This plantation drive not only celebrates a leader’s legacy but also promotes environmental stewardship, empowering farmers to cultivate greener, more resilient farmlands for future generations.

 

Tree Plantation Date

9th November 2024

 

Plantation Location

Girvi, Phaltan, Satara - 415523

 

Trees Planted

Total Count: 100 Trees

Species Name: Guava

 

Forest Type: Agroforest

To commemorate the birthday of Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol, Shri Sarthak Marwad has organized an impactful agroforest tree plantation initiative dedicated to Maharashtra’s farming communities. This initiative, rooted in the agroforestry concept, brings together sustainable land management and agricultural resilience by planting a range of native trees that benefit both the environment and local farmers.

This plantation drive aims to enhance Maharashtra's farmlands by incorporating agroforestry, where trees and crops grow together in a symbiotic relationship. By planting trees that restore soil health, improve water retention, and provide natural shade, Shri Marwad’s initiative supports the long-term productivity and well-being of Maharashtra’s farmers. The selected trees will foster biodiversity and help create a balanced ecosystem, allowing farmers to sustainably harvest both crops and tree-based resources. This gesture underscores a commitment to creating resilient agricultural communities and a healthier, greener future for Maharashtra.

 

Advantages Of Agroforest

Enhances Soil Health and Fertility

Agroforestry trees improve soil structure and fertility by adding organic matter through leaf litter and root systems. They enrich the soil with essential nutrients, creating a sustainable environment for crops and increasing long-term land productivity.

Promotes Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance

Planting trees within agricultural land supports biodiversity by providing habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. This balance benefits local ecosystems, as various species contribute to pest control and pollination, fostering a healthier environment.

Offers Shade and Reduces Soil Erosion

Trees in agroforests provide shade for crops, which helps regulate soil temperature and reduces water evaporation. The roots of these trees also stabilize the soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and rain, which is especially valuable in protecting against land degradation.

Provides Additional Income Sources

Agroforestry allows farmers to diversify their income by harvesting tree-based products like fruits, nuts, timber, and medicinal plants. These additional resources supplement agricultural income, making farms more economically resilient.

Supports Climate Resilience and Carbon Sequestration

Agroforestry systems help capture and store carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change impacts. The presence of trees also improves microclimates, making farmland more resilient to extreme weather events and helping farmers adapt to shifting environmental conditions.

Symbolizes a Living Legacy

Planting trees as a birthday gift creates a lasting tribute that grows and benefits communities over time. Each tree serves as a living symbol of care for the land and people, making it a meaningful and enduring gift for both the honoree and local farmers.

Improves Water Retention and Reduces Runoff

Tree roots help improve water retention in the soil, reducing surface runoff and enhancing groundwater recharge. This advantage is critical for maintaining healthy crops, particularly in areas that face water scarcity.

Strengthens Community Bonds and Celebrates Sustainability

A birthday tree plantation fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. This initiative brings people together in celebration while promoting sustainable practices that benefit the entire community and future generations.

 

Activities During Tree Plantation

In celebration of Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol’s birthday for Maharashtra’s farmers, local farmers led the way for an impactful tree plantation initiative designed around the agroforest concept. Guided by sustainable principles, the farmers prepared the land by enriching the soil with organic fertilizers, ensuring a nutrient-rich foundation for the new saplings. Thoughtful spacing allowed trees and crops to thrive side by side, creating a balanced ecosystem that would support both agricultural productivity and biodiversity. After planting, farmers provided initial care, including watering and mulching around the saplings, to retain moisture and promote healthy growth. Through this coordinated effort, the farmers created a green tribute to Shri Mohol’s dedication to Maharashtra’s agricultural prosperity, setting the groundwork for a resilient agroforest that will benefit the community and the environment for years to come.

 

Tree Plantation Purpose

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achieved through the agroforest tree plantation initiative celebrating Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol’s birthday for Maharashtra farmers:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

Agroforestry helps farmers diversify their income sources by allowing them to harvest tree-based products like fruits, nuts, and timber alongside traditional crops. This diversification enhances farmers' livelihoods, providing additional revenue streams that can reduce poverty in rural areas. By empowering farmers to generate more income, the initiative directly supports economic resilience for local communities.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Agroforest systems enhance food security by improving soil fertility, moisture retention, and crop yields. The trees planted help create a supportive microclimate for crops, resulting in more stable and productive farmland. Through these ecological benefits, agroforestry promotes sustainable agriculture and helps Maharashtra’s farmers produce enough food, contributing to local food security and reducing hunger.

3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The trees planted in agroforestry systems play a crucial role in conserving water by reducing runoff, improving groundwater recharge, and preventing soil erosion. This enhanced water management directly benefits surrounding communities, helping maintain a cleaner water supply and ensuring that farmlands have better access to this vital resource.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Agroforestry provides rural farmers with sustainable and decent work opportunities. By creating a diversified agroecosystem, the initiative supports steady economic growth through long-term productivity improvements. The additional revenue generated from tree-based resources and the promotion of environmental stewardship foster a more resilient rural economy.

5. SDG 13: Climate Action

Agroforestry contributes to climate action by sequestering carbon, as trees absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. These tree plantations help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a microclimate that protects crops from extreme weather events. This resilience enables Maharashtra farmers to better adapt to climate change while playing a role in global climate mitigation efforts.

6. SDG 15: Life on Land

This tree plantation initiative promotes biodiversity by creating habitats for a variety of species, from birds to insects, which support pest control and pollination. Agroforestry enriches ecosystems, promotes sustainable land use, and prevents land degradation. It also helps restore degraded soil, enhancing productivity and contributing to healthy terrestrial ecosystems.

7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The partnership with Grow Billion Trees has been instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of "Partnerships for the Goals" by fostering collaboration, resource-sharing, and expertise exchange for impactful agroforest initiatives. By organizing this tree plantation as a tribute to Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol’s birthday, the initiative strengthens collaboration among farmers, local communities, and organizations, creating a unified effort toward sustainable development. Through this partnership, local farmers and communities gain access to technical support, sustainable farming practices, and resources that amplify the reach and success of each tree plantation effort. Grow Billion Trees brings invaluable knowledge on species selection, agroforestry techniques, and environmental stewardship, ensuring that each plantation is tailored to benefit both local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. This collaboration not only strengthens the effectiveness of agroforestry projects but also builds a network of stakeholders committed to sustainable land use, environmental resilience, and economic empowerment for rural communities, amplifying the positive impact on Maharashtra’s farming landscape.

 

ESGs Achieved Through Agroforestry

Environmental Impact (E)

The agroforest tree plantation initiative organized in honor of Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol’s birthday significantly advances environmental sustainability. By integrating native trees into agricultural landscapes, this initiative enhances biodiversity, enriches soil health, and promotes natural water conservation. The trees help sequester carbon, mitigating climate change effects while creating a healthier microclimate for crops and local ecosystems. This environmentally conscious approach supports long-term land productivity and reduces soil erosion, ensuring that Maharashtra’s farmlands remain fertile and resilient for future generations.

Social Impact (S)

This initiative fosters community engagement and empowerment by involving Maharashtra’s farmers directly in sustainable practices. The tree plantation not only celebrates Shri Mohol’s contributions but also strengthens social ties within the farming community. By improving agricultural productivity and promoting biodiversity, the initiative enhances local food security and provides additional income opportunities through the harvest of tree-based resources. It builds a culture of environmental stewardship, creating a legacy that benefits farmers and rural communities socially and economically.

Governance Impact (G)

The tree plantation effort underscores strong governance principles by establishing effective partnerships, notably with Grow Billion Trees, which provides expertise and resources to optimize agroforestry outcomes. This collaboration reflects a transparent and structured approach to implementing sustainable practices, with clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved. By aligning with governance standards for environmental and social accountability, this initiative sets a precedent for future community-driven sustainability projects, promoting responsible resource management and shared responsibility among farmers, local leaders, and environmental organizations.

 

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees

Grow Billion Trees is committed to driving sustainable plantation efforts, ensuring every initiative aligns with key environmental objectives and promotes long-term ecological balance. They focus on selecting native tree species that are well-adapted to local ecosystems, ensuring a higher survival rate and stronger environmental impact.

To maintain plant health and longevity, Grow Billion Trees emphasizes continuous maintenance and regular monitoring of the plantations. This approach helps ensure that each tree thrives, contributing effectively to both biodiversity and climate resilience.

Transparency is a core principle in their operations. Clients receive comprehensive reports, including geo-tagging of planted trees, survival rate updates, and ongoing progress reports. This level of openness allows clients to track the direct impact of their contributions, reinforcing trust and accountability.

Through their dedication to sustainable practices, Grow Billion Trees ensures that every plantation project leaves a lasting positive footprint on both the environment and the local communities it serves.

 

Summary

In celebration of Shri Murlidhar Kisan Mohol’s 50th birthday, Shri Sarthak Marwad organized a meaningful agroforestry plantation initiative to benefit Maharashtra’s farmers. This initiative, based on the agroforest concept, involved the planting of native trees alongside crops, creating a sustainable ecosystem that enhances soil health, conserves water, and supports biodiversity. By integrating trees into farmland, the project not only enriches agricultural productivity but also empowers farmers with additional income opportunities through tree-based resources. This plantation effort is a tribute to Shri Mohol’s legacy of supporting rural communities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, leaving a lasting positive impact on Maharashtra’s agricultural landscape.