In a bold initiative aimed at revitalizing Maharashtra’s tribal heartland, Tata Motors has launched the One Million Plantation project in Palghar district. This ambitious undertaking seeks to rejuvenate barren lands and empower local communities through sustainable agriculture.
Under the Integrated Village Development Programme (IVDP), Tata Motors has partnered with the BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development (BISLD) and the state government to plant over 1.5 million fruit and forest saplings across 13,000 acres in eight blocks of Palghar district. This effort not only aims to combat distress migration but also provides a steady income stream for 13,000 local farmers.
The project operates under the livelihood-based Wadi model, introduced as a pilot in 2018-19, which involves planting fruit and forestry trees alongside intercrops on unused farmland. Each acre supports 100 fruit trees, predominantly mango and cashew, alongside 100 forestry trees. The success of this model has paved the way for scaling up through the One Million Plantation initiative.
Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, emphasized the dual impact of the project: “The One Million Plantation initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation. By partnering with BISLD and leveraging government schemes like MNREGs for sapling aftercare, we are not just planting trees but nurturing hope for a greener, more prosperous future.”
The initiative has significantly improved the nutrition and health standards of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the region, providing them with access to nutrition-rich fruits while enriching local biodiversity. Farmers receive wages through MNREGs directly into their accounts, based on the survival rate of the saplings, ensuring sustained benefits from the project.
As the monsoon season progresses, Tata Motors aims to expand the green cover in Palghar district with another million trees. This collaborative effort underscores a shared vision for nation-building and environmental stewardship, marking a significant step towards sustainable development in India’s tribal communities.
