Visiting Our Planting Partner in India: A Journey of Growth, Hope, and Sustainability

At Grow My Tree, our mission goes far beyond simply planting trees. We are committed to nurturing ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting innovative partners who are transforming landscapes and lives. Recently, we had the privilege of visiting one of our planting partners in Punjab, India, Think Peepal. What we witnessed was a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and hope that we are excited to share with you.

A Warm Welcome to Punjab’s Green Oasis

As we arrived at the Think Peepal Nursery, we were greeted by row upon row of vibrant saplings stretching across the rich, reddish-brown soil of Punjab. The air was filled with the scent of earth and new beginnings. This nursery is not just a place where trees grow, it is a hub of sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and environmental innovation.

The Science and Art of Tree Grafting

To run a well-working nursery, you have to master the meticulous process of grafting. Here, skilled nursery workers carefully join the best traits of hardy rootstocks with high-quality fruit varieties, like citrus, pears, peaches, and plums. Each sapling is the result of months of careful selection, precise cuts, and nurturing.

We watched as workers wrapped delicate graft unions with translucent tape, creating a protective microclimate for the young trees. This attention to detail ensures that each tree has the best chance to thrive, resist disease, and provide abundant fruit for years to come.

Sustainable Solutions for Challenging Climates

Punjab faces serious agricultural challenges. Extreme heat waves and water scarcity threaten the survival of young saplings. Think Peepal has responded with innovative solutions:

• Protective greenhouses: Shielding vulnerable trees from harsh weather.

• Drip irrigation: Delivering water directly to roots, conserving every drop.

• Foggers: Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature inside greenhouses.

These methods not only safeguard the trees, they also serve as a model for sustainable farming in a region where groundwater is rapidly depleting.

Intercropping, A Path to Resilient Farming

During our visit, we once again witnessed how Think Peepal actively promotes intercropping on the ground, for example by cultivating potatoes between rows of young orange trees. This approach maximizes land use, improves soil health, and provides farmers with a steady income while they wait for fruit trees to mature. It is a win-win for both people and the planet.

Impact Heroes, Stories of Hope and Empowerment

Behind every tree is a human story. We met Bhaga Ram, who found a new purpose and healing after personal tragedy by working at the nursery. We spoke with Poonam, a widow and mother of three, whose job at Think Peepal has brought stability and hope to her family. Their stories are a testament to how tree planting can transform not just landscapes, but lives.

A Vision for the Future

Think Peepal’s goal is ambitious, to produce at least 100,000 trees per season, supporting 800 to 1,000 farmers and encouraging a shift away from monoculture towards more diverse, resilient agroforestry systems. By providing high-quality saplings and training, they are helping local farmers build a sustainable future.

Why Your Support Matters

Our visit to Think Peepal reaffirmed why we do what we do at Grow My Tree. Every tree you help plant is part of a much bigger story, one of innovation, resilience, and hope. Together, we are not just planting trees, we are nurturing communities, restoring ecosystems, and building a greener, fairer world.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay tuned for more stories from the field, and keep growing with us.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Plant a tree with us today and become part of the global movement for a sustainable future.