Independent Assessment Confirms On-Ground Impact of Cauvery Calling's Tree Planting Programme

Cauvery Calling, the tree-planting initiative that grew out of the Rally for Rivers movement, commissioned an independent impact assessment of its FY 2024–25 operations in Tamil Nadu. The study, conducted by Sattva Consulting using the OECD DAC evaluation framework, covered 126 recent farmers and 30 legacy farmers across 8 districts. It examined sapling survival, post-plantation support, ecological outcomes, and farmer livelihoods.

On survival rates, 81% of recent farmers reported that more than 70% of their saplings had survived. Within that group, 56% reported survival rates above 90%, and 25% between 70–89%. 14% of farmers reported survival rates between 50–69%, representing the primary area for improvement. The main causes of sapling loss cited by farmers fell into four categories: environmental conditions such as water scarcity (26%) and excessive heat (25%); climate variability including drought (18%) and heavy winds (6%); poor soil conditions (10%); and inability to maintain the trees adequately (14%).

On programme support, 93% of recent farmers and 97% of legacy farmers reported receiving some form of post-plantation support. Among those who contacted field staff, 98% found it easy or very easy to reach them, and 97% rated the support as helpful or very helpful. Contact patterns varied — some farmers reached out monthly, others only when needed — but satisfaction was consistently high across both groups. Legacy farmers described ongoing access to agronomy advice, water quality testing, and problem-solving support across different stages of their engagement. Among the 7% of recent farmers who reported no post-plantation support, most had not attempted to contact field staff through any available channel, which the report notes may reflect limited awareness of support options rather than a gap in service delivery.

On ecological outcomes, legacy farmers — those engaged with the programme for five or more years — reported tangible changes on their land. 93% observed cooler ground temperatures, 90% reported increased biodiversity and better water retention, and 83% noted improvement in soil health. Every legacy farmer surveyed reported at least one positive ecological change. Among recent farmers, ecological improvements are not yet visible — trees planted in FY 2024–25 are too young to show measurable change. However, 51% anticipate more biodiversity on their land, 49% expect improved soil health, 44% expect lower ground temperatures, and 43% expect better water retention. A portion (28%) expected no ecological change, suggesting that a subset of farmers remains unconvinced about the visible or measurable benefits of the intervention — highlighting the need for more evidence-based communication.

On livelihoods, 81% of legacy farmers (n =11) had sold trees at the time of the survey, all at maturity rather than under financial distress. Melia dubia was the most commonly sold species, with approximately 521 trees sold generating ₹8.2 lakhs at an average of ₹1,576 per tree — demand supported by India's expanding plywood industry. Kumil Teak commanded a higher unit price, with one farmer earning ₹1.2 lakhs from 40 trees at ₹3,000 each. 82% of those who sold trees found the process easy or very easy.

Half of legacy farmers were intercropping alongside their trees, with 9 out of 15 earning income from the practice. Per-acre annual earnings varied by crop: papaya yielded up to ₹1.80 lakhs, pepper ₹1.41 lakhs, and tapioca ₹1.16 lakhs. More moderate returns came from black gram (around ₹40,000 per acre), banana (₹33,500), and coconut (₹37,500). Beyond direct income, farmers reported improved yields and reduced input costs as a result of better soil moisture and natural pest suppression from tree cover.

The report also identifies gaps. Market linkages for timber sales remain the most consistently cited unmet need across both farmer groups — farmers want clearer guidance on when trees are ready to sell, who to sell to, and at what price. While pilot provisions exist, they are not yet widely communicated or accessible to most farmers. Tree insurance options are similarly under-communicated, leaving farmers exposed to losses from pests, disease, or natural disasters with little recourse. Intercropping support, while desired by a significant share of legacy farmers, is not yet systematically offered by the programme. The report also notes that a meaningful share of new farmers enter the programme without clear expectations of what support is available to them — particularly around maintenance and tree sales — and recommends clearer onboarding communication as a priority. Addressing these gaps, the report suggests, would not only improve outcomes for existing farmers but would also help attract new ones to the programme

Since 2020, Cauvery Calling has supported the planting of 8.2 crore trees and the transition of 163,000 farmers to tree-based agriculture. Cumulatively, the programme counts 12.4 crore trees and 240,000 farmer beneficiaries across 46 districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Source: Cauvery Calling Tree Planting Initiative Impact Assessment, Sattva Consulting, FY 2024–25