US-India tie-up for climate resilience, agroforestry

A cutting-edge tree nursery was inaugurated in Assam recently to support local and national climate change mitigation goals by increasing plant production to sequester carbon, while utilising the latest agroforestry tools to enhance the resilience of Assam’s farming systems. This initiative is a joint venture between the US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and India’s Amalgamated Plantations Private Limited, according to a USAID press release.

A new Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre (TBEIC) in Guwahati, Assam, was also inaugurated under the US-India partnership. This centre will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of tree-based enterprises by providing training, technology, and business support to aspiring entrepreneurs in the region. It is designed to enhance livelihoods through the promotion of tree-based enterprises, will offer specialized training in processing technologies to maximize the value of tree-based products and facilitate the development of essential technical and business skills, supporting entrepreneurs to establish and scale their ventures.

Another USAID press release said that a key component of the incubation centre is its trial manufacturing facilities, which will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to test production processes for wood and non-wood products at nominal costs. This feature will significantly reduce the risks associated with starting a tree-based enterprise, enabling entrepreneurs to explore options before making substantial capital investments. Additionally, the centre will connect entrepreneurs with financial and insurance institutions to support their growth.

USAID/India Mission Director, Dr Steven G Olive, said, as quoted in the press release, “This collaboration builds on decades of US-India partnership to advance shared global development priorities. The incubation center will empower youth – both men and women – by equipping them with essential skills and comprehensive support to establish tree-based enterprises. We are optimistic that this center will stimulate the growth of tree-based enterprises in the region and advance the mutual climate goals of the United States and India.”

Mr. Manoj Dabas, Chief of Party, Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI) Program, said, “The establishment of the incubation centre marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bolster the Tree-based Enterprise ecosystem in the state of Assam. This centre will enable youth and small entrepreneurs to start new enterprises and scale up or diversify existing TOF-based manufacturing to enhance livelihood opportunities. It will also strengthen the environmental fabric of Assam by promoting the expansion of trees outside forests.”

As for the nursery, it is located in the Kakajan Tea Estate that is owned by the Amalgamated Plantations Private Limited The estate is a part of the Tata Group and is India’s second-largest tea producer. Set to become a central hub in the state for the large-scale propagation of indigenous tree species, the nursery has the capacity to produce one million healthy plants annually, significantly contributing to the state’s carbon sink. Equipped with advanced technologies such as automated irrigation, fertigation, and climate control systems, the nursery is well-positioned to supply high-quality planting materials to farmers and other tree growers. It will also play a pivotal role in building climate resilience and empowering local communities in their agroforestry efforts.

The press release adds that these initiatives are key advancements in the TOFI Program, a five-year collaboration between USAID and India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC), implemented by a consortium led by the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). Launched nationally in September 2022, the TOFI program fosters collaboration among farmers, government agencies and private institutions to expand tree coverage rapidly. These efforts enhance carbon sequestration and ecosystem services in seven states, including Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

The press release adds that Dr Steven G Olive said at the launch of the nursery, “Through this productive new nursery in Jorhat, the government and private sector are cooperating to expand tree cover outside of forest areas, which will contribute to our mutual climate change goals, enhance carbon sequestration, and increase farmer incomes.”

Mr Dabbas concurred that the nursery, “reflects the collective commitment of the government, research organisation and private sector...By leveraging the latest technology, we aim to amplify the impact of our agroforestry initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and fostering innovation.”