Deforestation not only impacts climate change but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of countless farmers. Soil erosion and the depletion of topsoil degrade land, leading to reduced agricultural productivity, unemployment, and a cycle of poverty. Mahindra and Mahindra's sustainability initiatives aim to address this complex issue through Project Hariyali, a collaborative effort between the Mahindra Foundation and the Naandi Foundation. This project, initiated by the Mahindra Group in 2007, has a dual objective: to increase green cover and address ecological imbalances while supporting marginalized farmers.

Project Hariyali began by setting an annual target of planting one million trees across all Mahindra locations. In 2010, it expanded to Araku Valley near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to create a functional forest for the tribal community. The project has since extended its reach to Northern India, specifically in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where it focuses on organic regenerative agriculture with zero chemical use.

Key Initiatives:

1. Planting Trees: To date, Project Hariyali has planted 24.86 million trees, with 14.90 million in the Araku region, boasting a survival rate of over 85%. This effort supports over 26,000 tribal farmer families, enhances biodiversity, and provides year-round livelihood opportunities through the cultivation of 19 native species that counteract the drawbacks of mono-cropping.
2. Northern Expansion: In Phase I (October 2021 - March 2022), 70,000 trees were planted in Solan, and over 200,000 trees of 25 plant varieties were planted in Shravasti, Moga, and Tarn Taran. Phase II added another 370,000+ saplings between June and September 2022.
3. Carbon Sequestration: In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Mahindra Group planted 2.21 million trees, with Mahindra & Mahindra contributing to 1.59 million of them. A significant portion (1.31 million trees) was planted in the Araku Valley, providing livelihood support to 3,275 tribal farmer families. These initiatives have sequestered over 153 ktonne CO2e, reducing the carbon footprint.
4. Skill Development: Project Hariyali has trained 1,288 master trainers and 9,000 farmers in maintaining micro nurseries. There are 115 centers that provide skills for creating bioinoculants, leading to diverse employment opportunities.

Community Impact:

Over the years, the project has reforested the Araku region, providing new livelihoods for 26,000 Adivasi farmer families and significantly increasing their average income. A 10,000+ member cooperative has fostered a healthy ecosystem and biodiversity. The sustainably grown gourmet coffee from the region has gained international recognition, enhancing the premium status of Araku Coffee.

Recognition and Awards:

Project Hariyali has received several awards, including a Platinum rating for its impact assessment in the Araku Valley. The Mahindra Group was recognized in the Skill Development & Livelihood Category at the FICCI CSR Awards in 2020, and they also received awards in Environment and Sustainability at the CSR Conclave Awards.

The Road Ahead:

Project Hariyali's future plans involve planting five million trees by 2026, contributing to the 1t.org pledge of the World Economic Program to conserve, restore, and grow one trillion trees by 2030. This monumental undertaking will rely on partnerships with like-minded communities.

Exclusive Collaboration Portal:

To encourage participation in this biodiversity movement and help individuals and organizations mitigate their carbon footprint, Project Hariyali has launched an exclusive collaboration portal on Mahindra Founder's Day. The portal allows you to gift trees to loved ones or contribute to the greening of our planet easily. Visit https://www.hariyali.org.in/ and be a part of this initiative today!