Project Overview:
Bihar is the most densely populated region of India yet also the most rural and poorest region in India. The primary economic activities are rice farming and buffalo rearing. With a growing population, the demand for firewood for daily needs continues to increase, leading to a steady decrease in forest cover.
Objectives:
- Combat rural poverty;
- Restore forest cover to maintain ecological balance;
- Produce fruits for self-consumption, resale, and processing.
The project began symbolically around Bodhgaya, the location of the tree under which Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. This ambitious programme aims to recreate a sustainable environment by re-greening the area, while enabling the local communities to diversify their food sources and increase their income through fruit production and processing. The challenges in the Jamui region mirror those in Bodhgaya.
