> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.upscprep.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Greening India's Wastelands with Agroforestry (GROW) - URL: https://www.upscprep.com/grow-greening-indias-wastelands-with-agroforestry-upsc-prelims/ - Published: 2024-02-20T17:30:04.000Z - Updated: 2024-02-20T17:30:04.000Z - Description: GROW report and portal | Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI) - Author: UPSCprep.com - Tags: UPSC Prelims, Current Affairs, #show-toc Imagine vast stretches of barren wastelands transformed into flourishing ecosystems teeming with life. That's the ambitious vision behind **GROW**, a multi-institutional initiative driven by NITI Aayog, leveraging technology and collaboration to green and restore India's landscapes. - GROW stands for **Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry**, and it's poised to be a game-changer in the country's fight against land degradation and climate change. - **GROW report** and **portal** was launched on 12 February 2024 by NITI Aayog. ![Bhuvan | GROW Report | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/02/image-19.png) This multi-institutional effort led by NITI Aayog utilized remote sensing and GIS to assess agroforestry suitability across all districts in India. ### What Exactly is GROW? GROW is a comprehensive effort that utilizes **remote sensing, GIS, and thematic datasets** to assess the suitability of agroforestry across all districts in India. - This assessment culminates in the creation of the **Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI)**, a valuable tool for national-level prioritization. - The project doesn't stop there; it also generates reports for individual states and districts, empowering government departments and private players to target their greening and restoration efforts effectively. ### What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry (or agro-sylviculture) is **a land use management system in which combinations of trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland**. Agroforestry combines **agricultural** and **forestry** technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land-use systems ![Agroforestry | GROW Report | UPSC](https://www.hindustantimes.com/static/ht2023/8/21082023_DelhiMetro_pg10.jpg) ### **The GROW Portal**: Unveiling India's Agroforestry Potential To ensure universal access to this crucial information, GROW has launched the **Bhuvan portal**, a one-stop platform for state and district-level ASI data. > *The *"Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW)-Suitability Mapping"* portal Bhuvan* [*https://bhuvan-app1.nrsc.gov.in/asi\_portal/*](https://bhuvan-app1.nrsc.gov.in/asi%5Fportal/?ref=upscprep.com) *allows universal access to state and district-level data.* This transparency allows diverse stakeholders – from policymakers to communities – to visualize the potential of agroforestry in their specific regions. --- **We can't clear UPSC for you.** But with our ***personalised mentor support***, you'll be ready to do it yourself. [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Multifaceted Benefits of GROW The current report highlights that India's existing agroforestry footprint covers **8.65%** of its land, presenting immense potential for expansion. ![Agroforestry suitability map of India | GROW Report | UPSC](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325004765/figure/fig11/AS:756228678496256@1557310375043/Agroforestry-suitability-map-of-India.png) By converting underutilized areas, particularly wastelands, into agroforestry systems, GROW promises a multitude of benefits: - **Reduced Dependence on Wood Imports:** Growing domestic timber through agroforestry can curb India's reliance on external sources, bolstering economic self-sufficiency. - **Enhanced Carbon Sequestration:** Trees are natural carbon sinks, and widespread agroforestry implementation can significantly contribute to India's climate change mitigation goals. - **Addressing Land Use Imbalances:** GROW encourages the productive use of fallow and culturable wastelands, optimizing land management practices. ### Alignment with National and Global Commitments The initiative firmly aligns with India's national commitments, including restoring **26 million hectares** of degraded land by 2030 and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Furthermore, GROW resonates with global initiatives like the **Paris Agreement**, **Bonn Challenge**, and **UN Sustainable Development Goals**, showcasing India's proactive stance on environmental issues. ### A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact The GROW project wouldn't be possible without the collaboration of various institutions: - **NITI Aayog:** Providing leadership and strategic direction. - **NRSC:** Employing geospatial technologies for mapping and prioritization. - **ICAR-CAFRI, NABARD, CIFOR-ICRAF:** Offering technical expertise and promoting agroforestry practices. ### The Road Ahead: Scaling Up Agroforestry for a Greener Future While the launch of GROW marks a significant step, scaling up agroforestry across India necessitates continued efforts. - Raising awareness, providing farmer training, and incentivizing participation are crucial aspects of ensuring long-term success. - With sustained commitment and collaborative action, GROW holds immense potential to transform India's landscapes, fostering environmental sustainability and a brighter future for its communities. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! 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