During last year’s monsoon (July - August 2025), the first 466 saplings were planted in Nayagram (Jhargram district, West Bengal) together with 20 tribal households committed to restoring nature through agroforestry. This monsoon, 1,277 new saplings were added, bringing the total number of trees in the project to 1,743. The new planting took place in July and August 2026. The mix of fruit and native species (including mango, jackfruit, lemon, Indian black berry and neem) will provide shade, food and additional income for the families in the years to come. Agroforestry brings other benefits as well. The trees improve soil fertility, help the land retain water and reduce erosion, and create habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Uneven and delayed rainfall postponed planting in some areas, so schedules were adjusted to local rainfall patterns to give the young trees the best possible start. Before planting, households took part in orientation sessions and field demonstrations on pit preparation, mulching, watering, organic manure use and moisture conservation.

The saplings have been closely monitored. Localized thunderstorms (Kalbaisakhi) with strong winds bent or uprooted a few young trees. These were replanted, and saplings in exposed areas received bamboo sticks and earthing-up for extra stability. During the busy paddy season, families had less time to care for their trees, so project staff, village volunteers and representatives stepped in with regular field visits to check sapling survival, support maintenance and replace damaged plants. Muddy roads after the first rains sometimes delayed these visits, but the community monitoring system kept the follow-up going. School-going children and rural youth were also encouraged to participate in watering, weeding and protecting the saplings, fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation.

More information & pictures can soon be found on the impact platform!