Palash Tree

The Palash tree is a medium-sized tree characterized by its slow growth and broad green leaves. Its presence can be observed across the country, accentuated by the stunning display of vibrant red flowers that resemble flames, giving the impression of a tree engulfed in fire.

Furthermore, the Palash tree holds immense significance due to its numerous uses. It has been specifically chosen for carbon fixation initiatives, contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, the project recognizes the potential of Palash in empowering farmers by providing them with these trees for planting, thereby improving their economic status.

Furthermore, Palash holds cultural significance, evident in various folk literary expressions that liken it to a forest fire. The dry deciduous forests of Jharkhand, in particular, showcase the pinnacle of beauty when most trees have shed their leaves, and the palash tree flourishes in full bloom. Its splendor has earned it the distinction of being designated as the State Flower of Jharkhand.

The Palash tree’s captivating appearance, ecological contributions, and cultural importance make it a valuable asset in various endeavors. By incorporating palash into carbon fixation efforts and distributing it to farmers, the project not only enhances environmental sustainability but also preserves cultural heritage and supports the economic growth of local communities.

Impact in Numbers 

Carbon Fixed  500 Kgs.

CO₂ reduction from the atmosphere by 1800 Kgs.

Increase in farmer income by 1500 INR per year after maturity.

Tree Dimensions on Maturity

Maximum height of the tree (m)	15
Tree canopy spread (m)	15
Tree trunk diameter (inches)	15

 

Value to the farmer

The versatile nature of this tree provides multiple uses, including timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. The wood, with its soft and dirty white appearance, is highly valued for its durability underwater, making it ideal for constructing well-curbs and water scoops. Spoons and ladles crafted from this tree play a significant role in various Hindu rituals, serving the purpose of pouring ghee into sacred fires.

Furthermore, the tree yields high-quality charcoal, adding to its range of applications. While the leaves are typically leathery and unsuitable for cattle consumption, they have played a historical role in food service. They serve as an alternative to modern-day plastic plates. The leaves are skillfully transformed into cups, providing a biodegradable and eco-friendly option for eating.

Moreover, the abundance of uses makes each part of the tree valuable. It enables farmers to sell different components year after year, steadily increasing their income. This multifaceted tree not only contributes to economic prosperity but also fosters sustainable practices. This tree offers biodegradable alternatives and preserves cultural traditions in many ways.

The tree’s diverse applications and economic potential make it a valuable resource for farmers, fostering income diversification and promoting sustainable practices. Its contributions to various industries, from construction to rituals and food service, highlight its versatility and importance in local communities.

Plant a Tree of Palash: About the Project 

Once the saplings are distributed to the farmers, they will receive comprehensive technical knowledge on how to cultivate and nurture them. The project is designed for the long term, ensuring continuous support to the farmers for a period of 3 years. Furthermore, the farmers will have the opportunity to be part of a group. They will be motivated and guided by elucidating the various benefits they stand to gain.

Furthermore, the trees provided to the farmers will form an essential component of a comprehensive set aimed at enhancing their economic status. The project recognizes the pivotal role that these trees can play in improving the livelihoods of farmers and therefore emphasizes the importance of their active participation and engagement.

The project’s commitment to long-term support, technical guidance, and the formation of farmer groups highlights the holistic approach taken to uplift the economic well-being of the farmers. By providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, the project empowers farmers to cultivate these trees effectively, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering economic growth within the farming communities.

Technology

The trees are geotagged, ensuring accurate location tracking. The use of GPS technology allows for precise marking of the area boundaries. Moreover, detailed information about the farmers, including their personal details and accompanying images, is recorded. This comprehensive approach enables a complete understanding of the project’s impact on individual farmers.

Furthermore, all relevant data is efficiently captured and securely stored through mobile apps directly from the field. This streamlined process ensures the timely and accurate collection of vital information. The amount of carbon fixed annually is calculated using expert-developed equations specific to different tree species. These calculations, combined with comprehensive reports generated by the app, provide valuable insights into the carbon sequestration efforts of the project.

Moreover, the project places a strong emphasis on maintaining total transparency throughout the entire data lifecycle. From data acquisition to storage and analysis, every step is conducted with utmost openness.

The incorporation of geotagging, GPS technology, and mobile apps, along with its focus on accurate data capture, carbon calculation, and transparency, underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for effective and accountable project management.

Impact assessment

The team actively measures and assesses the impact it generates for both wildlife and farmers. Regular intervals are established for capturing comprehensive data, which is then analyzed by comparing it with previous data. This systematic approach allows for a thorough evaluation of the changes observed and facilitates a comparison against the planned results.

Additionally, the comparison between data offers a clear understanding of the progress made and the extent to which the project’s objectives have been achieved. This systematic measurement and evaluation process ensures accountability and informs future strategies for maximizing positive outcomes for wildlife and farmers.

The team shows dedication to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement. By consistently monitoring the impact and measuring it against planned results, the project can adapt and optimize its interventions, leading to greater benefits for wildlife and farmers alike.

Reports

The project reports are prepared and sent to the contributors. The report covers the following

1) Trees status as of the last visit made

2) Any mortality in the trees planted

3) Carbon fixed in MT from the start of the project

4) Economic impact on the farmers.

5) Ecological impact created.