Agroforestry in India
Restoring degraded farmland through agroforestry while delivering long-term climate, environmental and livelihood benefits
This agroforestry project in India integrates trees into existing agricultural systems to sequester carbon, restore soil health and strengthen the resilience of farming communities. By diversifying more than 4,000 hectares of farmland, the project delivers meaningful climate mitigation while supporting sustainable agricultural practices for generations to come.
Through the large-scale adoption of agroforestry, the project captures carbon in above- and below-ground biomass and soil organic carbon, while reducing pressure on water resources and improving biodiversity. In parallel, it creates new income streams for farmers through increased productivity and carbon finance, supporting a just and inclusive transition to climate-resilient agriculture.
Location: Punjab, India
Project type: Agroforestry
Project impacts
Climate & environment
- Sequestration of carbon through increased tree biomass and soil organic carbon
- Approximately 5 million trees planted across 4,072.90 hectares
- 375,551 tCO₂e sequestered to date, with average annual removals exceeding 350,000 tCO₂e
- Improved soil structure, fertility and water retention through diversified land use
- Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem function across degraded agricultural landscapes
- Increased climate resilience of farming systems through improved land management practices
Social & economic
- Generation of additional income for farmers through carbon credit revenues
- Increased and more stable crop yields, raising agricultural productivity and household incomes
- Capacity building and access to education, including training in:
- Tree planting and maintenance
- Above- and below-ground biomass assessment
- Soil organic carbon measurement
- Remote sensing and monitoring of forest dynamics
- Strong emphasis on the inclusion of women in farming activities and project participation
- Active involvement of small-scale farmers across approximately 1,500 villages
This project contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Project details
The project is located in Punjab, northern India, a region often referred to as the “Granary of India” due to its fertile plains and significant contribution to national food production. Punjab has historically relied on intensive rice–wheat cropping systems, which, while critical to food security, have resulted in soil nutrient depletion and severe groundwater stress.
Agroforestry offers a sustainable alternative by integrating trees with crops, mimicking natural ecosystems and restoring ecological balance. Farmers plant a mix of native and non-native species within existing agricultural plots, including Eucalyptus, Poplar, Shisham, Drek, Chandan and Teak. This diversified planting approach enhances carbon sequestration, improves soil health and provides additional economic outputs from the same land.
By transitioning away from monoculture systems, the project supports long-term food security while restoring degraded land and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Collaborations
The project is implemented in close collaboration with local farming communities, supporting widespread adoption of agroforestry practices. Training, monitoring and knowledge-sharing are central to delivery, ensuring farmers are equipped to manage trees effectively and maximise both environmental and economic outcomes.
Quality criteria
All Anthesis-supported carbon removal projects undergo independent verification to confirm permanent carbon storage and measurable environmental benefits. Projects must demonstrate alignment with UN SDGs 12, 13, and 15, promote soil and ecosystem health, and deliver robust climate and nature outcomes.
- Alignment with recognised international carbon standards
- Robust monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon removals
- Long-term additionality through changes to land-use practices
- Clear social and environmental co-benefits beyond carbon
- Inclusive stakeholder engagement, with a focus on smallholder farmers and women
- Transparent measurement of biomass growth and soil carbon improvements
Through rigorous auditing, monitoring, and adherence to international standards, Anthesis ensures all projects provide credible, lasting impact for both climate and local communities.
Project facts
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