On the occasion of World Environment Day, Arya.ag, in partnership with the Khambhaliya Farmer Producer Company (FPC) and the Forest Department of Khambhaliya Devbhumi Dwarka, has initiated a tree plantation drive under Project Excel supported by Nayara Energy. The drive brings together 350 shareholders from 21 villages to plant saplings on their farms, aiming to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures and water scarcity in the region. The Khambhaliya region traditionally has grappled with water scarcity, limiting tree cover. However, rising temperatures have made afternoon farm operations increasingly difficult for these communities.
As a part of continued efforts, through the guidance of Project Excel, Arya.ag has already made significant strides in empowering the farming community by training over 4,000 farmers in post-harvest management and facilitating the development of agri-value chains. These efforts have generated a turnover of $1.6 million through farmer collectivisation and market linkages.
As trees provide significant ecosystem services to agriculture by improving soil health and increasing microbial activities, in this project, along with training around post-harvest technology for strengthening agri value chains, tree plantation was considered a very important activity for improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods
Shenoy Mathew, CSO of Arya.ag, shared his insights, "Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impact on agriculture cannot be understated. Arya.ag recognizes the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to build resilience in the face of rising temperatures and water scarcity. We are working to contribute towards a better environment by partnering with the Khambhaliya FPC and the Forest Department and we hope that this initiative will inspire others to follow suit and collectively work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future."
The tree plantation drive exemplifies the dedication of Arya.ag, the Khambhaliya FPC, and the Forest Department in nurturing the local ecosystem by driving sustainable development and fostering environmental resilience in the agricultural sector. By equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to increase tree cover, this initiative combats rising temperatures, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and bolsters the local ecosystem, paving the way for a greener future.
