Diversified sources of income can make local communities comparatively less vulnerable and more resilient to financial stresses. The project includes plantation of fruits and tasar host tree species in barren uplands of individual farmers that will provide them additional income from sericulture and selling of fruits. For immediate return, they will also take up intercropping with commercial vegetables. Thus, the otherwise fallow land will become a productive asset for the family and add to their income and lead them out of poverty. The carbon credits generated from such activity will result in carbon income that can protect the local communities from poverty to some extent. Thus, the project activity contributes to SDG 1 of working towards the goal of ‘No Poverty’.

Since the project includes plantation of fruits and tasar host trees and also intercropping with vegetables in the barren uplands of individual farmers, it will provide nutrition to them through consumption of fresh organic vegetables and fruits. The trees would also provide fresh air by absorbing CO2 and emitting O2. The entire biodiversity of the area would improve thus impacting the mental and physical well-being of the farmers. The physical exercise by working in the plantation field and engagement will also positively impact their physical and mental health. Thus, the project contributes towards SDG-3 for Good Health and Well-being.

The project entails engaging with women at every stage of implementation as the primary holders of the project. It aims for economic and social empowerment of women by promoting women led institutions (Tasar Vikas Samiti, Udyan Vikas Samiti) involving them in the decision-making processes and helping them build their vision. They will also be capacitated to work on the value chains of sericulture and also fruits, thus making them financially independent. The produce from their fields including organic fruits and vegetables will make them well-nourished and healthy. Thus, the project emphasizes on Gender Equality and contributes for SDG 5.

The project aims to sequester carbon while restoring around 4000 Ha of barren uplands of more than 8000 individual farmers from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha. It also aims to improve the quality of soil in the upland through in-situ soil-moisture conservation measures and following organic farm practices. These measures will also help in making the community more resilient to the impacts of climate change Thus, the project contributes substantially in the achievement of SDG 13.

The plantation of trees of different species in the barren uplands of individual farmers will not only provide additional income to the farmers but will also help in improving the biodiversity of the entire area and hence the life on land. In addition, Trees hold on to the top layer of soil preventing its erosion and support further growth and survival of vegetation contributing to SDG 15 of ‘Life on Land’.