Welcome to our FAQ page, your one-stop resource for answers to commonly asked questions.
About the Program
1: What is the objective of the program?
- The objective of the program is to protect nature and enhance livelihoods
through agroforestry practices.
2: How can farmers apply?
Farmers can apply by contacting the team, who will map their land and details.
Eligibility for the program
1: Is the programme viable for existing or new plantations?
The project is for both the existing agroforestry (up to 5 years old, planted
since 2019) and new plantations on eligible land.
2: What land size/ area is eligible for the enrollment in this programme?
Farmers owning between 0.1 to 10 Ha (0.4 bigha to 40 bigha) of land are eligible
to join the programme. Communities can collectively apply for any size of land that belongs to them.
3: What type of land is not eligible for joining the programme?
If you have cut more than 60% of the trees on your land in the last 5 years,
then you cannot apply for the programme. Unless, these trees had become unproductive and were
replaced by native trees.
4: What happens if I do not have any land ownership documents?
It is very important to have land ownership documents, which will be checked
before you can join the programme. If you do not have this, you must get an NOC from Nokma or
village Headman.
5: Do I have to include all my land in the programme?
No, you can decide how much of your land will be part of the programme, as long
as it is between 0.1 to 10 Ha (0.4 bigha to 40 bigha) whether as an individual land or larger for
community lands.
6: Can land already under plantations become part of the project?
Yes. The land with plantations up to 5 years old is eligible; anything planted
over 5 years ago cannot be a part of the project. For those joining in 2024, plantations must be
from 2019 or later.
7: Is land under PES scheme eligible to be part of the programme?
Yes, land under the PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) scheme is eligible to
apply to the programme.
8: For how many years do I need to keep trees on my land?
You need to keep the trees on your land without cutting them for a minimum of 30
years. Pruning and harvesting is allowed in this time, but if you cut any tree, it will no longer be
a part of the programme and will not receive any income.
Agroforestry/ plantation schemes related
1: How many trees should be/ need to be planted per hectare?
You need to have at least 300 trees per ha on your land and maintain them by
replanting/ replacing those that do not survive. More trees mean more benefits, but they need to be
in balance with other crops to be considered Agroforestry.
2: In an existing plantation, how can cash crops be incorporated?
The programme will provide a list/ annexure for the selection of crops to be
planted with the tree species that are on the farm. It will be ensured that the right combinations
of crops are grown, so that there is no loss in productivity.
3: Will training on Agroforestry be provided to those who join the programme?
Yes, the programme will provide regular trainings on agroforestry practices and
maintenance, along with sustainable harvesting of NTFPs, value addition, etc.
Species selection
1: Can I plant species of my choice under the project?
Yes, you can select the species, but they should be native or naturally adapted
to the state. The programme will also recommend agroforestry models suited on the region. These are
scientifically developed to ensure maximum benefit to the farmers and environment.
2: Can fruit trees be planted in the programme?
Yes, fruit trees can be planted. The programme recommends upto 30% of fruit
trees on the total land. This will help ensure that farmers get optimal benefits of produce and
carbon credits.
CRUs/Payment Related
1: How will I receive payments?
You will receive payments directly into your bank account. For this, the
programme team will collect your bank details when you sign the contract and you land is mapped.
2: When will I receive the first income?
Expect initial income within 4-5 years, and then on an annual basis until the
trees reach 25 years. Trees would need to be maintained for another 5 years to maximise the
environmental benefits.
3: Will I be informed of the carbon absorbed by the trees on my farm?
Yes, every year you will be informed of the carbon absorbed by the trees on your
farm as well as the payment that you will receive for this.
4: Who gets the income generated from trees on community land?
All community members will hold a share in all income generated from trees on
community land. How this money will be utilised will be the decision of the community.
Land Ownership , Addition/ Removal and Transfer
1: Who owns the land after you have joined the programme?
Farmers /communities will ALWAYS retain all the ownership rights over the plot.
Joining means committing to growing and maintaining trees on your land for minimum of 25 years.
2: What happens if I sell my land?
You must try to convince the new owner to enter into a new contract within the
programme so that they can continue to receive benefits for the same area. If they decide to cut the
trees, they will no longer receive any benefits from the programme. You also need to inform MegCare
team so that necessary on-boarding can be initiated.
3: Can I remove or include another area into the project?
No, you cannot remove or include area after you join the programme and your land
has been mapped.
4: What happens if I divide the land among my children?
Your children can become part of the programme if they keep the trees on the
farm. They must come to an agreement among them that they will share the income and other benefits
from the land.
Natural Hazards
1: What happens if a fire, flood or drought occurs?
Natural events (so-called Acts of God) are unavoidable, and you will not be
liable for any loss in tree growth, if there is no deliberate negligence involved. You will be able
to rejoin the programme with new trees on the same land.
