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The Agroforestry Carbon Credit Program is a climate-resilient initiative designed to address increasing dry spells and recurrent drought conditions in the Rayalaseema region, across HANDS’ operational areas. The program focuses on strengthening the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers while restoring ecological balance through sustainable and climate-smart land-use practices.
With the generous support of donors such as Say Trees Environmental Trust, the program has so far empowered 1,551 small and marginal farmers across 120 villages in Ananthapuramu, Kurnool, and Nandyala districts. A total of 567,988 high-quality saplings have been distributed free of cost, covering 3,119.17 acres of farmland.
The initiative follows a comprehensive and participatory approach that includes farmer identification and mobilization, sapling distribution, facilitation of multilayer agroforestry plantations, and continuous field-level monitoring to ensure high survival and growth rates. In addition, the program promotes small-scale agri-tech solutions, such as efficient irrigation practices, soil moisture conservation techniques, and improved farm management methods to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
Beyond tree planting, the program supports long-term income security, soil and water conservation, carbon sequestration, and climate adaptation. By integrating fruit, timber, and indigenous species through multilayer agroforestry models, the initiative contributes to the development of a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally balanced agricultural landscape, benefiting both present and future generations.