IAC Group, a global leader in creating inspiring automotive components, strengthens its commitment to sustainability through a tree plantation initiative rooted in the agroforest concept. As part of its CSR efforts, this initiative aims to drive environmental conservation while supporting local communities. Planting today for a greener tomorrow.

Central to this initiative is a farmer-centric approach that emphasizes enhanced income diversification, improved livelihood resilience, and reduced farming costs. By integrating trees with crops, the agroforest model creates sustainable agricultural ecosystems that boost farmers' earnings and reduce dependency on single-income sources. This approach promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and ensures a steady supply of resources for local communities. Additionally, it supports climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and sustainable land use practices.

This initiative underscores IAC Group’s dedication to social and environmental responsibility. By fostering ecological balance and community well-being, IAC is driving meaningful change beyond the automotive sector, aligning with its mission to create inspiring environments for a greener, more sustainable future. Planting today for a greener tomorrow reflects IAC's long-term vision of positive environmental impact, nurturing both the earth and the communities that depend on it.

Project Planning & Execution

No. of trees: 1611

Plantation Location: Sahayadri Van, Girvi, Satara, Maharashtra 415523

Plantation Duration: 30th March 2024  to 3rd April 2024. 

Name of Species: Mango, Coconut, Custard apple, Teak

Species Selection & Its Benefits: 

The initiative emphasizes the selection of native and climate-resilient tree species to ensure long-term ecological balance and high survival rates. By aligning species choice with both environmental needs and local market demand, the project not only enhances biodiversity but also supports rural livelihoods through sustainable income generation. Active farmer participation and consent were central to the planning, ensuring the trees integrate smoothly with existing agricultural practices.

For this initiative, Mango (Mangifera indica), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Custard Apple (Annona squamosa), and Teak (Tectona grandis) were strategically selected for their combined ecological, economic, and social value. Mango and Custard Apple offer strong market demand and nutritional benefits, while Coconut provides diverse uses and year-round income. Teak, known for its high-quality timber, contributes to long-term economic security and carbon sequestration. 

Together, these species improve soil health, foster biodiversity, create microclimates and build resilience in farming communities. This thoughtful selection reflects IAC’s commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action, and empowering local farmers through sustainable agroforestry.

Beneficiaries Details

Planting Methodology and Its Advantages

Agroforestry: IAC’s tree plantation initiative is based on the agroforestry concept, a sustainable land management approach that balances economic benefits for farmers with environmental conservation. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, this initiative helps farmers generate additional income through fruit production, reducing reliance on chemical inputs while diversifying revenue streams for greater financial stability. Agroforestry enhances soil fertility, improves water retention, and prevents erosion, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

This approach also supports biodiversity, natural pest control, and microclimate regulation, improving overall agricultural productivity by reducing wind impact, moderating temperatures, and providing shade. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, IAC recognizes agroforestry as a powerful tool for carbon sequestration, environmental restoration, and sustainable land use. By planting trees, the initiative contributes to climate action, groundwater conservation, and the rehabilitation of degraded lands, ensuring lasting environmental benefits. This initiative reflects IAC’s commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate practices, reinforcing its vision for a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

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.

Activities During Tree Plantation 

As part of its CSR initiatives, IAC International Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. conducted a tree plantation drive under the agroforestry concept, with all planting activities executed by skilled local farmers to ensure sustainable and impactful implementation. The initiative was designed to align with environmental conservation objectives while supporting rural development and ecological balance.

Before the plantation, the land was prepared by clearing unwanted vegetation, digging water-retentive pits, and enriching the soil with organic compost. The team also inspected the plantation site to evaluate soil quality, tree alignment, and the efficiency of the drip irrigation system for long-term water management. 

On the plantation day, Ms. Nidhi Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Grow Billion Trees, Mr. Nandu Singh, Co-founder and CTO of Grow Billion Trees, Mr. Satender Kumar, Co-founder and CIO of Grow Billion Trees, Mr. Bintu Pawar, IAC employees, and local farmers actively participated in planting and watering saplings, reinforcing their collective commitment to environmental conservation. This initiative resulted in the plantation of 1,611 trees, significantly contributing to biodiversity, soil enrichment, and carbon sequestration. 

Alongside the plantation activity, a knowledge-sharing session was conducted to raise awareness about sustainable agroforestry practices, followed by a certificate distribution ceremony to recognize participants' contributions. 

The day concluded with a photo session, capturing the spirit of collaboration and commitment to a greener future. Through this collaborative effort, IAC continues to strengthen its role in creating a greener planet while supporting local farming communities and advancing sustainable agroforestry practices.

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 – IAC’s agroforestry plays a vital role in reducing poverty by generating sustainable income opportunities. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, this initiative contributes to economic resilience, ensuring long-term financial stability for rural communities.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger – IAC’s agroforestry approach enhances food security by improving soil health, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting sustainable farming practices. This ensures long-term food availability and resilience against environmental challenges.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Trees improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to a healthier environment. By reducing carbon dioxide and pollutants, this initiative fosters better respiratory health and overall well-being for local communities.

SDG 4: Quality Education – The Agroforestry initiative by IAC includes training and awareness programs that educate communities on sustainable land-use practices. These programs empower individuals with knowledge of conservation, environmental stewardship, and resource management.

SDG:5 Gender Equality –  IAC empowers local women farmers by promoting inclusive participation in its agroforestry initiatives. This approach fosters economic independence and strengthens community resilience through equal opportunities.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Agroforests improve water conservation by enhancing soil moisture retention, reducing runoff, and preventing water pollution. By maintaining ecological balance, this initiative supports sustainable water management and access to clean water.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – IAC’s agroforestry plays a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 8)  by creating sustainable livelihoods, enhancing rural economies, and promoting inclusive economic opportunities. It integrates trees and agriculture, providing multiple income streams while ensuring environmental sustainability.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The agroforestry project promotes sustainable infrastructure through the integration of innovative farming techniques and eco-friendly practices, strengthening agricultural systems. It encourages technology adoption in farming, driving growth in the agricultural sector.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequality – IAC’s agroforestry initiative supports income diversification for marginalized farmers, particularly in rural communities. Empowering farmers with sustainable agroforestry practices helps reduce economic disparities, providing equal opportunities for growth and improved livelihoods.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Sustainable agroforestry practices reduce the reliance on chemical inputs, promote eco-friendly agriculture, and ensure the responsible use of natural resources for long-term environmental benefits.

SDG 13: Climate Action – By acting as a carbon sink, agroforestry mitigates climate change by absorbing CO₂ emissions, preventing soil degradation, and enhancing land resilience against extreme weather conditions.

SDG 15: Life on Land – The plantation initiative by IAC supports biodiversity conservation, prevents deforestation, restores degraded land, and strengthens ecosystem health by promoting sustainable forestry practices.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – IAC’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving impactful environmental action. This synergy combines technical expertise, financial support, and community engagement to amplify sustainable development efforts.

ESG Achieved through Agroforestry:

• Environmental Impact: IAC’s agroforestry initiative integrates sustainable tree plantation with regenerative agriculture, enhancing carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change, and improving air quality. By restoring soil health, preventing erosion, and promoting groundwater recharge, the initiative ensures long-term ecological balance. The plantation fosters biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible land management.

• Social Impact: The initiative empowers rural communities by providing income opportunities through farmer-led plantation activities, with a strong focus on employing local women and promoting gender equality. Agroforestry enhances food security by yielding fruits and fodder while also promoting environmental awareness and sustainable livelihoods. Through its CSR efforts, IAC fosters community engagement and social responsibility, ensuring long-term benefits for society.

• Governance Impact: IAC’s collaboration with Grow Billion Trees ensures ethical governance, transparency, and measurable impact. The partnership integrates expert-led afforestation practices, strategic execution, and compliance with sustainability standards. By embedding accountability and responsible corporate governance, the company sets a benchmark for sustainable environmental initiatives and stakeholder trust.

 Building Communities

One of the most impactful outcomes of IAC’s agroforestry initiative was the sense of unity and collaboration it fostered within the community. By engaging local farmers, stakeholders, and environmental partners, the project became more than just a tree plantation drive; it evolved into a collective mission for a sustainable future.

• Empowering Farmers: Farmers played an active role, not just as beneficiaries but as key participants, learning sustainable agroforestry techniques that integrated seamlessly with their livelihoods. This knowledge empowered them with long-term economic and environmental resilience, strengthening their connection to sustainable farming.

• Fostering Partnerships: The initiative brought together IAC, Grow Billion Trees, and local communities, showcasing the power of collaboration in driving meaningful environmental impact. This synergy ensured the plantation was executed with expertise, sustainability, and measurable long-term benefits.

• Creating a Ripple Effect: As farmers experienced the benefits of agroforestry firsthand, their enthusiasm inspired neighbouring communities to adopt similar sustainable practices. This cascading effect amplified the impact, turning a single initiative into a movement for greener, more resilient ecosystems.

 This initiative reinforced that true environmental sustainability is deeply rooted in community-driven efforts. It was not just about planting trees, it was about planting hope, collaboration, and a shared vision for a greener tomorrow.

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 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 express our deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in the success of the agroforestry plantation project in Sahayadri Van, Girvi, District Satara, Maharashtra. This initiative, which seamlessly integrates environmental conservation with community empowerment, would not have been possible without the collective efforts of committed individuals and organizations.

To International Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.: We extend our sincere appreciation for your dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. Your forward-thinking approach to fostering a greener future laid the groundwork for this impactful agroforestry project. Together, we have planted 1611 fruit-bearing and timber trees, leaving behind a legacy that will support the environment and uplift local farming communities for generations to come.

To Mr Bintu Pawar: Your willingness to embrace agroforestry and integrate fruit-bearing and timber 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: Your expertise, unwavering efforts, and deep passion for environmental conservation have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Together, we have demonstrated that collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability can yield meaningful and lasting change. Your invaluable contributions are deeply appreciated, and we thank you for being a vital part of this journey.

Through this collective effort, we have taken significant steps toward revitalizing ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in Satara. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support.

Closing Remarks

The successful completion of the agroforestry plantation at Sahayadri Van,  Girvi, District Satara (Maharashtra) marks a significant milestone in advancing environmental sustainability and community development. This initiative has not only enhanced the region’s green cover but has also created lasting benefits for local farmers by integrating sustainable agricultural practices. By providing an additional source of income through fruit production and improving soil fertility, the initiative strengthens farmers' livelihoods, ensuring long-term financial stability. It is a reflection of how collective efforts can drive meaningful change for both livelihoods and nature.

With 1,611 fruit-bearing and timber trees, including mango, custard apple, coconut, and teak trees, this project will enhance biodiversity, offer long-term economic benefits to farming communities, and restore ecological balance. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to promoting sustainability and encouraging more organizations and individuals to participate in similar impactful initiatives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to  International Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Bintu Pawar of Satara, our partners, and everyone who contributed to making this project a reality. Your dedication and efforts have played a vital role in ensuring its success.

This initiative is just the beginning of a larger movement toward a greener and more resilient future. By continuing to work together, we can create a sustainable legacy that benefits both present and future generations.