GROW Report

GROW Report

News: The GROW Report was globally launched on Sunday, Feb 11, 2024. The launch took place at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, and was live-streamed worldwide.

What is the GROW report?
• The GROW Report, standing for Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry, is an initiative launched by NITI Aayog. This report and its associated portal aim to transform India’s wastelands through agroforestry.
• The GROW initiative utilizes cutting-edge remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to provide a comprehensive state-wise and district-wise analysis. This analysis offers crucial insights to government departments and industries engaged in greening and restoration projects.

Key features:
• The report introduces an Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) for national-level prioritization, utilizing thematic datasets. The GROW initiative also includes the launch of the “Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-Suitability Mapping portal on Bhuvan, ensuring universal access to state and district-level data.
• The GROW Report emphasizes the immense potential of converting underutilized areas, particularly wastelands, into productive agroforestry zones. This initiative aligns with national commitments to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and establish an additional carbon sink capable of sequestering 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

What is Agroforestry?
• Agroforestry is a land use management system in which combinations of trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. It combines agricultural and forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use systems.
• The benefits of agroforestry include increased farm profitability, preservation and protection of natural resources such as controlling soil erosions, creating habitat for wildlife, and managing animal waste.
• It also contributes to increased biodiversity, improved soil structure and health, reduced erosion, and carbon sequestration.
• Trees in agroforestry systems can also produce wood, fruits, nuts, and other useful products with economic and practical value.

Examples:
• Agrisilvicultural systems, silvopastoral systems
• Windbreaks: These are linear plantings of trees and shrubs designed to protect and shield livestock or crops from high winds.
• Improved Fallows: This system involves leaving land uncultivated for a period of time to regain its fertility. During this period, certain tree species are grown to enhance soil fertility.
• Alley Cropping: In this system, crops are grown in alleys formed by hedgerows of trees or shrubs.
• Farm Woodlots: Small areas of land are dedicated to growing trees for timber, fuelwood, or other tree products.