Novo Nordisk India, in line with its global vision of sustainable health and well-being, has taken a meaningful step towards celebrating its people and the planet with a unique green initiative. Under the agroforestry concept, the company has launched a Tree Plantation Program dedicated to Employee Birthday Celebrations.

Each time an employee celebrates a birthday, a tree is planted in their honour, turning personal milestones into acts of environmental stewardship. These trees are cultivated in agroforestry zones that bring multiple benefits to local farming communities. Agroforestry enhances farmers’ livelihoods by reducing farming costs, improving soil fertility, increasing biodiversity, and creating additional income resources through the integration of trees with crops. It’s a sustainable model that supports both ecological restoration and economic resilience.

This initiative reflects Novo Nordisk’s holistic approach to health, extending beyond medicine to the health of communities and the planet. It aligns with the company’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and care, making birthdays not just a personal celebration but a gift to future generations.

By integrating this green gesture into its employee engagement program, Novo Nordisk India not only nurtures a culture of appreciation and purpose but also reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and climate responsibility one tree and one birthday at a time.

Project Planning & Execution

No of Trees: 100

Plantation Location: Girvi Village, Phaltan Taluka, Satara, Maharashtra – 415523

Plantation Date: 5th June 2025

Name of Species: Mango

Species Selection & Its Benefits: 

As part of Novo Nordisk Engineering’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement, the initiative emphasises the careful selection of native and climate-resilient tree species. This ensures long-term ecological stability, enhances biodiversity, and promotes better livelihood outcomes for farmers. By aligning tree species with local agro-climatic conditions and farmers’ preferences, the project creates an effective synergy between environmental sustainability and economic benefit.

For this initiative, NNE supported the plantation of 100 Mango (Mangifera indica) trees across farmlands. Mango was chosen for its strong adaptability to regional conditions, high market demand, and long productive lifespan. As a fruit-bearing tree, Mango provides significant income potential through seasonal harvests while also contributing to improved soil quality and microclimatic regulation on farms.

The selection was made in close consultation with participating farmers to ensure alignment with existing cropping patterns and land-use practices. This collaborative, farmer-first approach helps foster ownership, improve survival rates, and integrate agroforestry seamlessly with ongoing agricultural operations. Through this effort, NNE aims to support not just environmental regeneration but also long-term rural prosperity, reflecting the company’s broader vision for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Beneficiaries Details

Planting Methodology and Its Advantages

Agroforestry: Novo Nordisk Engineering’s tree plantation initiative is rooted in the agroforestry concept, a sustainable land management practice that not only benefits the environment but also provides additional income for farmers. By integrating trees with agricultural landscapes, farmers can generate revenue through fruit production, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and diversify their income streams, ensuring financial resilience for rural communities. Agroforestry enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and prevents erosion, contributing to long-term ecological stability. It supports biodiversity, promotes natural pest control, and creates favourable microclimates that enhance agricultural productivity by regulating temperature, reducing wind impact, and providing shade. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to global environmental stewardship, Novo Nordisk Engineering recognizes agroforestry as a powerful strategy for carbon sequestration, ecological restoration, and sustainable land management. This approach reflects the organization’s deep-rooted commitment to healing the planet, promoting climate resilience, and empowering communities through nature-based solutions. By integrating tree plantations with agricultural landscapes, Novo Nordisk Engineering actively supports a greener, healthier Earth for current and future generations.

Advantages of Agroforestry

• Increased Farmer Incomes: This approach helps in increasing the farmer’s income by as much as 3 times. Farmers benefit from diversified income sources, lifting economic resilience.

• Improved Livelihoods: Agroforestry enhances farmers' resilience to economic and climate-related shocks by creating more sustainable and diversified farming systems.

• Biodiversity Promotion: Agroforestry supports a diverse range of plants and animals, creating habitats for wildlife and improving ecosystem health.

• Environmental Sustainability: This model reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainable land management, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Food Security: Agroforestry enhances agricultural productivity and food availability by integrating fruit-bearing trees with crops, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

• Carbon Sequestration: Trees planted through agroforestry absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Climate Resilience: Agroforestry helps mitigate climate change impacts by improving land productivity and fostering biodiversity.

• Improved Soil and Water Management: Trees enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and increase water retention, resulting in more resilient farming.

Conclusion Elements

Impact

Direct Impact

*This impact analysis is forward-looking (An agroforestry project matures in 3-5 years)

Indirect Impact

Community Impact

• Empowerment of Farmers: By providing training and resources for sustainable farming practices, agroforestry equips farmers with skills to enhance productivity and adapt to environmental changes.

• Food Security: The integration of fruit-bearing trees and crops ensures a consistent food supply, improving nutrition and reducing hunger within the community.

• Environmental Awareness: Community involvement in tree plantation fosters a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation and promotes sustainable practices in daily life.

• Enhanced Social Equity: Agroforestry initiatives foster enhanced social equity by empowering marginalized farmers with sustainable livelihoods, bridging economic gaps, and promoting inclusive community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

• Resilience to Climate Change: The diverse and sustainable nature of agroforestry helps communities mitigate the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, by stabilizing local ecosystems.

• Health and Well-being: Green spaces created through agroforestry improve air quality and offer a healthier environment, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of the community

Environmental Impact

• Carbon Sequestration: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Soil Health Improvement: Agroforestry enriches soil through organic matter from fallen leaves and roots, improving fertility, structure, and nutrient availability for crops.

• Erosion Prevention: Tree roots stabilize the soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water while protecting nearby agricultural fields and water bodies.

• Biodiversity Conservation: By creating habitats for various species, agroforestry enhances biodiversity, supporting pollinators, beneficial insects, and native wildlife.

• Water Cycle Regulation: Trees improve water retention, recharge groundwater levels, and reduce surface runoff, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable water cycle.

• Microclimate Regulation: Agroforestry moderates temperature extremes, reduces wind speeds, and increases humidity, creating favourable conditions for crop growth and ecosystem balance.

Achievements

SDG Goals Achieved through Agroforestry

• SDG 1: No Poverty – By integrating fruit-bearing trees into farmland, Novo Nordisk Engineering’s initiative creates a sustainable income source for farmers, strengthening financial security and reducing poverty in rural areas.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The agroforestry approach improves soil health, enhances agricultural productivity, and promotes sustainable farming, ensuring long-term food security for farming communities.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Tree plantations help purify the air, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. By reducing carbon emissions and pollutants, Novo Nordisk Engineering’s tree plantation initiative supports respiratory health and overall well-being.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Novo Nordisk Engineering supports knowledge-sharing on sustainable land management, empowering farmers with training on agroforestry techniques, conservation, and ecological restoration.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Agroforestry enhances groundwater recharge, prevents soil erosion, and reduces water runoff, contributing to better water conservation and ensuring long-term water availability.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The initiative by Novo Nordisk Engineering fosters employment opportunities in tree planting, farm management, and agro-processing, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Novo Nordisk Engineering promotes sustainable agricultural infrastructure by integrating innovative farming practices, enhancing productivity while reducing environmental impact.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – By supporting marginalized farmer families, Novo Nordisk Engineering’s project promotes income diversification and economic inclusion, reducing disparities in rural communities.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Sustainable agroforestry minimizes reliance on chemical inputs, promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices, and ensures responsible resource management.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Trees act as natural carbon sinks, mitigating climate change by absorbing CO₂, improving soil resilience, and reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions.

• SDG 15: Life on Land – This initiative enhances biodiversity, prevents deforestation, restores degraded land and strengthens ecosystem health through sustainable afforestation efforts.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Novo Nordisk Engineering’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees highlights the significance of partnerships in driving impactful environmental and social change. Through collective expertise and community engagement, this initiative contributes to long-term sustainability and ecological restoration.

ESG Achieved through Agroforestry:

• Environmental Impact: The Novo Nordisk Engineering agroforestry initiative promotes sustainable afforestation, enhancing carbon sequestration, combating climate change, and improving air quality. By restoring soil fertility, preventing erosion, and supporting groundwater recharge, this initiative contributes to long-term ecological stability. Additionally, it fosters biodiversity by creating a thriving habitat for wildlife, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental conservation and responsible land management.

• Social Impact: This initiative uplifts rural farming communities by creating additional income opportunities, enhancing food security, and building climate resilience. By integrating fruit-bearing trees into farmlands, farmers benefit economically through diversified revenue streams while reducing their reliance on single-crop agriculture. This approach lowers farming costs through natural soil enrichment, improves air and water quality, and fosters long-term environmental sustainability. The initiative also generates local employment and promotes community well-being by actively involving and educating farmers in sustainable practices, ultimately strengthening livelihoods and encouraging lasting environmental stewardship.

• Governance Impact: The Novo Nordisk Engineering collaboration with Grow Billion Trees ensures ethical governance, transparency, and measurable impact. The initiative adheres to sustainable afforestation standards, with expert-led implementation and strategic execution. By embedding accountability and responsible corporate governance into its environmental efforts, the company reinforces stakeholder trust and sets a benchmark for sustainability-driven corporate leadership.

 Building Communities

One of the most profound outcomes of Novo Nordisk Engineering’s agroforestry initiative was the sense of unity and collaboration it nurtured within the local community. By actively involving farmers, stakeholders, and environmental partners, the initiative transformed from a simple tree plantation drive into a shared mission for a greener, more sustainable future.

• Empowering Farmers: The Farmers were not just beneficiaries but active participants, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable agroforestry techniques. By integrating these practices into their traditional farming methods, he strengthened his economic stability and environmental resilience, ensuring long-term benefits for his livelihood and the ecosystem.

• Fostering Partnerships: The project encourages active participation from the chosen farmers throughout the plantation process, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration in the community. Novo Nordisk Engineering’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees and local farming communities demonstrated the power of collective action in driving meaningful environmental change. This synergy ensured expert-led execution, long-term sustainability, and tangible positive outcomes for both people and nature.

• Creating a Ripple Effect: As farmers witnessed the economic and ecological benefits of agroforestry firsthand, their enthusiasm encouraged neighbouring communities to adopt similar sustainable practices. This cascading effect expanded the initiative’s impact, turning a single project into a widespread movement for resilient and greener landscapes.

This initiative reaffirmed that true environmental sustainability is rooted in community-driven efforts. It was not just about planting trees; it was about planting hope, fostering collaboration, and building a shared vision for a healthier planet.

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees

• Ensuring Tree Survivability: GBT prioritizes native species, continuous monitoring, and soil health improvement using organic fertilizers. These efforts ensure sustainable growth and benefit the farmers and communities.

• Transparency & Accountability: GBT provides detailed reports on tree growth, survival rates, and carbon benefits, using geo-fencing and regular updates to maintain transparency and effectiveness.

• Sustainable Plantation Efforts: GBT implements projects that balance environmental, social, and economic goals, addressing issues like urban heat islands and degraded farmlands. These efforts promote ecological balance, livelihoods, and long-term climate resilience.

• Enhancing Ecosystem Health: By selecting native species and creating diverse habitats, GBT enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, ensuring long-term ecological health and supporting wildlife.

• Long-Term Impact: GBT’s initiatives tackle environmental challenges, enhance rural livelihoods, foster climate resilience, and promote sustainable development while reducing carbon footprints.

Acknowledgment

We at Grow Billion Trees extend our heartfelt gratitude to Novo Nordisk Engineering for their invaluable support and commitment towards the success of the agroforestry plantation initiative in Girvi, District Satara, Maharashtra. This collaborative effort exemplifies the power of responsible corporate partnerships in driving sustainable development at the grassroots level. We sincerely thank the entire NNE team, the participating farmer, and all stakeholders whose unwavering support made this impactful initiative possible. Together, we move closer to building a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come.

To Novo Nordisk Engineering (NNE): We sincerely appreciate your unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Your initiative to plant 100 mango trees has significantly contributed to environmental restoration while empowering the local farming community with long-term livelihood opportunities. Your dedication to creating a positive environmental and social impact is truly commendable. We are honoured to partner with NNE in this meaningful endeavour and look forward to continuing our journey together toward a greener, healthier, and more resilient future.

To Mr. Dilip Chopade: Your willingness to embrace agroforestry and integrate Mango trees into your farming practices has been truly commendable. This initiative not only enhances soil health but also contributes to long-term agricultural sustainability. Your commitment to improving the ecosystem while securing a better future for coming generations is inspiring. We are honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to the continued positive impact of your efforts.

To Our Ground Partners and Volunteers: Your unwavering support and commitment to environmental conservation have played a crucial role in making this project a success. Through collaboration and shared vision, we have taken a step toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Your contributions are deeply valued, and we thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

This initiative is just the beginning of our collective efforts to promote agroforestry and empower rural communities. Together, we will continue working toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support.

Closing Remarks

The successful completion of the agroforestry plantation initiative at Girvi, District Satara, Maharashtra, marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward environmental sustainability and rural empowerment. This impactful collaboration with Novo Nordisk Engineering (NNE) has not only enhanced the region’s green cover but also created long-term benefits for local farmers through the integration of sustainable agricultural practices.

By planting 100 Mango trees, the initiative has contributed to ecological resilience, improved soil health, and established a dependable source of income for the farming community. Aligned with NNE’s purpose of driving positive change through sustainable solutions and engineering for life, this project exemplifies how mission-driven partnerships can create enduring value for both people and the planet.

As these trees continue to grow and thrive, they will enrich biodiversity, sequester carbon, and provide economic support to farmers for years to come. We express our heartfelt gratitude to NNE, the farmers of Girvi, and all the partners involved for their dedication and shared vision. Your commitment to regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship inspires continued action.

This initiative is just the beginning of a broader movement. Together, we can build a greener, more resilient world—one tree, one farmer, and one purposeful step at a time.