To mark the world environment day, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited, conducted a simple ceremony to announce the completion of planting 87000 trees under their innovative ‘Go Green’ scheme. The programme was held in Mel Ottivakkam, in Kancheepuram district. Launched in July 2011, in association with TIST, more than 70 marginalised farmers have benefitted from this scheme, so far.
Project ‘Go Green’ is a unique income generating tree planting scheme, where the farmer is given saplings of, teak, jackfruit and mango trees which he can plant on his land. HMIF will pay the farmer to maintain the tree till it bears fruit. The farmer can sell the produce and keep the proceeds. This will help him gain additional income. HMIL and TIST have been monitoring the progress of the trees which have been planted.
The farmers have welcomed the project as they stand to gain on many counts. Efforts to grow the trees is less labour intensive in the long run which helps them to take jobs to augment their farm income. This initiative aims to improve their quality of life. The district authorities have also extended their full support for the project.
V. Shiva Kumar, Range Officer, Forest Department, Kancheepuram district and other dignitaries along with B W. Ryu, Executive Director, Administration, Hyundai Motor India Limited and trustees of HMIF planted tree saplings to mark the event.
HMIF plans to plant 13000 tree saplings by end of June and another 50000 trees by the end of this year.