MUMBAI: Allcargo Logistics, India’s largest integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions provider, has planted 1,02,500 trees this monsoon with 2300 farmers in Jawahar, Mokada and Karjat – the tribal belt in Maharashtra, as a part of its Maitree programme.   

 

Maitree which was launched in 2014 by Avashya Foundation, the CSR arm of Allcargo Logistics, aims to provide sustainable sources of livelihood to the tribal communities and economically backward population through plantation of fruit bearing trees. 

 

The program ensures a broader outreach to a large number of families from under-developed and tribal regions and improving their socio-economic condition.

 

“Maitree 2019 is another meaningful as well as notable chapter to our mission to conserve nature as well as extend our support to the farmer communities. Each year, we identify new regions and farmers who can reap the benefits of Maitree. We have received encouraging support and active participation this year from farmers as well as forest officials to make Maitree a success and impactful,” said Dr. Nilratan Shende, DGM – CSR, Allcargo Logistics Ltd.

 

Over 10,000 farmers have benefited with Maitree. This unique project meets the goals of environment sustainability as well as community empowerment. Since 2014, over 6 lakh fruit bearing trees have been planted.

 

Maitree actively involves the farmers in the entire process and empowers them. Maitree has been enlisted with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) that provides 100 man days of guaranteed paid work to the farmers as tending trees is considered a productive economic activity.

 

The Fruit bearing trees add to the family income when the produce is sold in the market. Thus, Maitree helps increase green cover, reduces carbon impact, provides income generation options and mitigates rural migration. The underlying principle is to empower rural families so that they can participate in the growth and development story of the mainstream society, said a company release.