Agroforestry

Where trees stand guard over crops and soil breathes life into roots, Agroforestry weaves prosperity with preservation

How do we grow food while nurturing the soil that grows it?

Centuries of agrarian practices and farming has stripped away more than what we have gained from growing on the lands that feed us. Chemical use has proliferated the soil, healthy microorganisms that once thrived are now being introduced artificially and we are draining underground water tables faster than they can be naturally replenished.

In our work across India, this is the daily reality for the farming families we support

The solution is growing trees with crops, not instead of them.

This revolutionary practice, called agroforestry, integrates trees, crops, and even livestock on the same land to create sustainable agricultural ecosystems. Instead of choosing between food production and environmental health, farmers achieve both.

India covers about 25 million hectares under agroforestry and was the first country in the world to adopt a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014.

Already, 65% of India’s timber and almost half of its fuel wood come from trees grown on farms.

The SGI Way

SGI helps farmers build thriving agroforestry systems through a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of agricultural distress.

Our Three-Pillar Strategy

Farmer Protection

Providing alternative income sources through carefully selected fruit trees, and timber that create long-term financial security, while supporting the farmers with intercropping cycles and infrastructure for immediate farming gains.

Soil Revitalization

Educating farmers in natural farming practices that restore soil health, leading to higher and healthier yields over the medium to long-term

Environment Protection

Strategic tree planting combined with natural farming practices that recharge groundwater, sequester carbon, boost immunity against crop diseases, and increase overall yields

How We Make It Happen

Pre-Planting

We select optimal locations and high-quality local fruit and timber species, build strong farmer relationships, and train dedicated Vrikshasevaks (frontline staff) for ongoing farmer and sapling support

Planting

Scientific preparation of planting plans, proper pit preparation and spacing, and distribution of saplings with essential micro-rhizomes for healthy soil growth

Monitoring & Impact

Close monitoring through trained Vrikshasevaks, systematic tracking of plant health and survival rates, and comprehensive impact evaluation including carbon sequestration calculation after 3 years and socio-economic assessment 1 year post-plantation

The choice we face

Here’s what we know: Agriculture strips away topsoil 10-40 times faster than it forms, while climate change devastates crop yields worldwide.

Here’s what’s possible: Farmers are already proving we can grow more food while regenerating soil, sequestering carbon, and nurturing biodiversity.

We’ve educated over 10,000 farmers on natural fertilizer alternatives, preparation and usage of vermicompost, biochar, mycorrhizae, and helped create excellent nutrition sources, recharged groundwater, and restored ecosystems that reduce soil erosion.

The question isn’t whether we can farm with nature instead of against it. The question is how fast we can scale these solutions.