Allcargo Group celebrates a decade of Maitree, targeting 5 million saplings by 2030.
Allcargo Group marks the tenth anniversary of its Maitree initiative by setting a target to plant 5 million saplings by 2030. The initiative, managed by the Group’s CSR arm, Avashya Foundation, aims to engage over 100,000 farmers, supporting both environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
The Maitree initiative has already planted over 1 million trees by 2023, with goals to reach 3 million by 2027 and 5 million by 2030. This extensive tree plantation effort spans Khalapur, Karjat, Jawhar, Mokhada, Vada, Dahanu, Uran blocks in Palghar, and Raigad, Maharashtra. Employees of Allcargo Group actively participate as volunteers in the tree-planting efforts.
Dr. Nilratan Shende, Head of CSR at Allcargo Group, highlighted that since its inception in 2014, Maitree has brought significant positive changes to the environment and local communities. The initiative focuses on both income generation and environmental sustainability, significantly enhancing the economic well-being of farmers.
Farmers participating in Maitree cultivate a variety of fruit-bearing trees, including mango, custard apple, moringa, guava, sapota, cashew, jackfruit, jamun, tamarind, lemon, teak, and bamboo. These efforts contribute to ecological diversity and economic sustainability. Allcargo Group provides necessary resources for the maintenance of these trees.
So far, Maitree has supported over 20,000 farmers in the Palghar and Raigad districts, creating local livelihood opportunities, reducing forced migration, improving school attendance, and enhancing access to Public Distribution System (PDS) and MGNREGA entitlements.
The initiative’s environmental impact is significant, with 1 million planted trees offsetting 32,258 tons of carbon dioxide, conserving 40 crore litres of water, preserving soil, and promoting biodiversity. Maitree is a key part of Allcargo Group’s ESG journey and long-term vision, as detailed in the company’s ESG report for 2022-23.
