Project Van Dhara: A Dual-Site Plantation Initiative by RJ Foundation

 Varun Beverages Ltd, one of the largest PepsiCo bottlers in the world, through its CSR arm RJ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of RJ Corp, founded by visionary leader Ravi Jaipuria, has undertaken a shared mission to blend business growth with community well-being. Through their initiative, Project Van Dhara – Plant Trees, Plant Hope, they have embraced the agroforest concept, planting a diverse mix of native, fruit-bearing, and climate-resilient trees across two distinct plantation locations, thereby amplifying their environmental and social impact.

This initiative not only addresses climate change mitigation by enhancing carbon sequestration and restoring biodiversity but also drives economic development for local communities. By integrating trees into farmland, Project Van Dhara improves soil health, supports sustainable agriculture, and creates alternative income sources for farmers through the sale of fruits, timber, and other tree-based produce.

True to RJ Corp’s philosophy of aligning corporate success with societal progress, Varun Beverages Ltd, through its CSR arm RJ Foundation, is sowing seeds of resilience across multiple geographies ensuring that the communities they serve are empowered, the environment is nurtured, and hope grows alongside every tree planted.

Tree Plantation Date & Location

29th July 2025 to 7th August 2025: Dharuhera, Rewadi, Haryana, 122106

15th November 2025 to 31st January 2026: Parner, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, 414301

Trees Planted

Total Count: 35,000 Trees
Species Name: Mango, Mahogany, Teak, Custard Apple, Amla, Jackfruit, Guava, Orange, and Lemon

Forest Type: Agroforestry

Varun Beverages Ltd, through its CSR Arm, RJ Foundation, has embraced agroforestry as a powerful approach to blend environmental sustainability with community development. Through Project Van Dhara – Plant Trees, Plant Hope, the initiative promotes the plantation of native, fruit-bearing, and timber trees within agricultural landscapes. This not only improves soil health and restores biodiversity but also strengthens farmers’ livelihoods by creating additional income opportunities. With a strong focus on climate resilience, transparency, and long-term community impact, the project is cultivating greener farmlands and empowering rural communities. Together, we are sowing the seeds of a sustainable and hopeful future.

Advantages of Agroforestry

• Increased Farmer Incomes: This approach helps increase farmers' income by as much as 3 times. Farmers benefit from diversified income sources, lifting economic resilience.

• Sustainable Livelihoods: Farmers benefit from diversified income sources through the sale of fruits and other tree-based products, reducing dependence on a single crop.

• Enhanced Biodiversity: Agroforestry creates a diverse ecosystem by integrating trees with crops, attracting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects that support natural pest control.

• 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 & Nutritional Benefits: Fruit-bearing trees provide a direct source of food, improving local nutrition while supporting long-term agricultural productivity.

• Carbon Sequestration & Climate Resilience: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change while providing shade and windbreaks that reduce temperature extremes and improve microclimatic conditions.

• Soil Health and Water Conservation: Tree roots prevent soil erosion, enhance water retention, and improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and adding organic matter. Agroforestry systems also support groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and improve soil moisture retention, making them ideal for drought-prone regions.

Commitment by Grow Billion Trees

• Ensuring Tree Survivability: GBT prioritises native species, continuous monitoring, and soil health improvement using organic fertilisers. 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 extend our heartfelt gratitude for the successful completion of the plantation initiative at Rewadi, Haryana, and Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. This achievement represents a significant step towards environmental restoration, sustainable land use, and community empowerment. It would not have been possible without the collective efforts of dedicated individuals, local farmers, and partner organisations. Their unwavering commitment has played a crucial role in fostering a greener, more resilient ecosystem for future generations.

To Varun Beverages Ltd through CSR Arm RJ Foundation:  We sincerely thank Varun Beverages Ltd through CSR Arm RJ Foundation for their unwavering dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation. By integrating agroforestry into its CSR mission through Project Van Dhara – Plant Trees, Plant Hope, Varun Beverages Ltd through CSR Arm RJ Foundation, has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering greener landscapes and empowering local communities. We deeply appreciate the initiative of planting thousands of native and fruit-bearing trees, which will enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and contribute to carbon sequestration, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits. Moreover, by promoting sustainable land use, this initiative provides farmers with an additional source of income through fruit and timber production. Varun Beverages Ltd through CSR Arm RJ Foundation’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community upliftment is truly commendable, and we are grateful for their contribution to a greener and more resilient future.

To the Farmers of Rewadi and Parner: Your dedication to embracing agroforestry and incorporating fruit-bearing trees into your farming practices is truly commendable. This initiative not only enriches soil health but also strengthens long-term agricultural sustainability. Your commitment to fostering a healthier ecosystem while securing a better future for future generations is inspiring. We are grateful to be part of this journey and look forward to witnessing the lasting positive impact of your efforts.

To Our Ground Partners and Volunteers: Your dedication, expertise, and passion for environmental conservation have been essential in making this initiative a success. Through our collective efforts, we have shown that collaboration and a shared vision for sustainability can create a lasting impact. Your invaluable contributions have played a crucial role in driving this mission forward, and we deeply appreciate your commitment. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey toward a greener future.

Through this collective effort, we have taken significant steps toward revitalizing ecosystems, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in Rewadi. 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 Rewadi, Haryana, and Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, marks a significant milestone in Varun Beverages Ltd through CSR Arm RJ Foundation's journey towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment. This initiative has not only expanded the region’s green cover but has also provided long-term benefits to local farmers by integrating sustainable agricultural practices.

By enhancing soil fertility, supporting water conservation, and generating additional income through fruit production and other byproducts, the project strengthens livelihoods and promotes financial stability for farming communities. With 35,000 trees now flourishing, this initiative will continue to contribute to ecological balance, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience.

As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to driving impactful sustainability efforts and inspiring more organisations and individuals to take action for the environment. We extend our deepest gratitude to Varun Beverages Ltd through the CSR Arm RJ Foundation, the farmers of Rewadi and Parner, our partners, and all those who contributed to making this project a success. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality.

This is just the beginning of a larger movement towards a greener and more sustainable future. Through collective efforts, we can build a resilient environment and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.