The Transformation Story of Jungal Mahal Tasar Cluster

Srishti Bhattacharya

In the heart of West Bengal, a remarkable transformation is taking root under the Arjuna Carbon Project. What was once barren, degraded land is now thriving with lush greenery, thanks to the collective efforts of 2,200 small-holder farmers across 78 villages. ?

This initiative, launched under the Ministry of MSME’s SFURTI scheme with IMEDF, the special purpose vehicle of the Development Alternatives Group, as the nodal agency, has turned 969 hectares into a living example of regenerative entrepreneurship. ?

At the core of this transformation is the planting of resilient tree species like Terminalia Arjuna and Terminalia Tomentosa, chosen not only for their longevity but also for their ability to capture carbon and support livelihoods. Bordering these fields, majestic trees like Mahogany and Shisam stand tall, creating a diverse, sustainable forest ecosystem. ?

Since 2021, this initiative has grown steadily, with Livelihood Funds backing the project and farmers gaining a renewed sense of ownership over their land. This isn’t just an environmental project; it’s a lifeline for the community. ?

The trees planted are not only helping to sequester an estimated 4,33,440 tonnes of CO2 over the next 20 years, but they are also hosting the Tasar silkworm, a species indigenous to the region. In just 4-5 years, these trees will become a home for silkworms, and with them, a source of sustainable income for the farmers. ?

From the preparation of silkworm seeds to rearing and marketing silk cocoons, the farmers are being supported at every step of the value chain. With PRADAN as the implementing agency, the Jungal Mahal Tasar Cluster plays a crucial role in this journey. Through extensive training and capacity-building, farmers are not just learning how to care for their land but are becoming green entrepreneurs. ?

Women are at the forefront, shaping the future of their communities by participating in planning, planting, and maintaining the forests.?

In the district of Jhargram, these women, along with the farmers, are rewriting the story of their land. What was once dry and unproductive is now a thriving hub of sustainable growth. The Tasar silkworm, nurtured on these plantations, brings hope and opportunity. The silk produced here is not just a product but a symbol of resilience, representing the hard work of local communities who have embraced a new way of life.?

The project has created a unique synergy—combining afforestation, carbon sequestration, and livelihood generation through Tasar sericulture. Farmers, once dependent on rain-fed agriculture or unproductive land, now have a sustainable income. With each passing year, the trees will continue to sequester carbon, while the silk production remains productive for up to 60 years, ensuring long-term benefits for the communities. Training plays a pivotal role in the project’s success. Farmers receive hands-on, field-based instruction in local dialects, covering every aspect—from understanding carbon credits and afforestation techniques to silk production and market access. ?

Exposure visits and experiential learning ensure that knowledge is shared and retained, building confidence and capacity within the community. The Arjuna Carbon Project is not just planting trees; it is planting the seeds of prosperity, self-reliance, and entrepreneurship. ?

With each sapling, the farmers of Jhargram are not only restoring their land but also securing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. What began as an afforestation initiative has blossomed into a powerful example of how local communities, guided by innovative projects and supported by technical expertise, can regenerate not just the environment but their livelihoods and dreams.?

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