Reviving Rural Landscapes through Agroforestry
A pioneering field study conducted by Mul Biotech Farms in collaboration with the SequestraBionix Foundation sheds new light on the challenges and opportunities of land rehabilitation in rural Chhattisgarh. The research, carried out in September 2025, assessed the physical and ecological state of an area at the interface of forests, grasslands, and rice paddies—a landscape where traditional agriculture and nature meet.Field Challenges and Soil.
Observations
The evaluated site occupies a transitional ecozone, making it rich in biodiversity but also highly susceptible to land degradation. Key problems included accelerated embankment erosion, declining soil fertility, and nutrient loss due to seasonal runoff. Visual surveys revealed the presence of exposed sandy and lateritic soils and signs of sheet erosion near paddy field borders, particularly during monsoon cycles. A Digital TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading of local water revealed an exceptionally low value (009 ppm), indicating water purity but also a scarcity of vital nutrients and minerals necessary for crop health.Soil texture in the area was primarily coarse, sandy-lateritic, and reddish-brown, with low clay content and poor moisture retention. These factors, combined with compacted surface layers, restrict plant growth and highlight the need for immediate intervention.
Field Challenges and Soil Observations
The evaluated site occupies a transitional ecozone, making it rich in biodiversity but also highly susceptible to land degradation. Key problems included accelerated embankment erosion, declining soil fertility, and nutrient loss due to seasonal runoff. Visual surveys revealed the presence of exposed sandy and lateritic soils and signs of sheet erosion near paddy field borders, particularly during monsoon cycles. A Digital TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading of local water revealed an exceptionally low value (009 ppm), indicating water purity but also a scarcity of vital nutrients and minerals necessary for crop health.Soil texture in the area was primarily coarse, sandy-lateritic, and reddish-brown, with low clay content and poor moisture retention. These factors, combined with compacted surface layers, restrict plant growth and highlight the need for immediate intervention.
Innovative Agroforestry Solutions
To tackle these challenges, the study recommended a set of science-backed, bio-integrated interventions aimed at reviving land fertility and checking further erosion:Vetiver Grass Barriers and small bioengineered check-dams to control runoff and stabilize embankmentsIntroducing green manure crops, biochar, and farmyard compost to boost soil carbon and moisture retentionTwice-yearly application of vermicompost with rock phosphate for improved nutrient cyclingCreating contour bunds and rainwater harvesting pits to reduce water loss and promote infiltrationIntegrating multi-species agroforestry (e.g., Gliricidia, Moringa, Bamboo, Lemongrass) for ecological balance, diversified farmer income, and greater carbon sequestrationAdopting minimal tillage and cover cropping to prevent further soil structure breakdown and encourage healthy root systems.
Impact on Communities and Climate
These targeted interventions go far beyond just improving crop productivity. By restoring soil health and encouraging agroforestry, the program provides multiple direct and indirect benefits:Securing the livelihoods of local farmers by preventing land abandonment and promoting crop resilience in a changing climateEnhancing local biodiversity, creating habitats for important wildlife, and supporting ecosystem services like pollination and water regulationContributing to India’s carbon sequestration goals, as healthier soils and mixed-tree systems absorb atmospheric carbon
The project aspires to transform the studied site into a model landscape for regenerative agriculture by 2027—demonstrating that with community-based stewardship and science-driven strategies, rural India can lead the way in climate-resilient, sustainable farming.A Blueprint for the FutureThis case study stands as a testament to the synergy possible between biotechnology innovation and traditional knowledge in addressing land degradation. The collaborative effort from Mul Biotech Farms and the SequestraBionix Foundation is proof that with the right mix of techniques and local participation, degraded landscapes across India’s heartland can be revived—offering hope, opportunity, and ecological security for generations to come.
