USAID Launches New Initiative to Increase Tree Coverage in India

NEW DELHI, (ANI) – US and India announced a new initiative to increase tree coverage outside of forest lands in India in a bid to support global climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

India and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), on September 8, announced the launch of a new program, “Trees Outside Forests in India.” The move will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities, and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture.

The new $25 million programs will bring together farmers, companies, and private institutions in India to rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests by 28 lakh hectares. Through agroforestry, or integrating trees into farming systems, the program will improve the resilience of farming systems while increasing the income of farmers.

The program will also use innovative financing models and leverage India’s private sector to promote tree-based enterprises, helping to create sustainable markets and improve rural economies and livelihoods, with the potential to benefit more than 13 million people.

The program will be implemented in seven states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

In addition to safeguarding India’s forests and other critical ecosystems, USAID is working with India to implement emissions reduction measures by transitioning to renewable energy and adapting ongoing activities.