Sustained environmental initiative sees 13.4 crore trees planted across Cauvery basin thus far

The “Save Soil – Cauvery Calling” movement, envisioned by Sadhguru of Isha Foundation, to revitalise the Cauvery river through tree-based agriculture, has facilitated the plantation of 13.4 crore trees across the Cauvery basin and supported 2.6 lakh farmers in transitioning to tree-based agriculture, a release says.

The movement planted 1.2 crore trees during 2025-26 and has set a target of planting another 1.2 crore trees in 2026-27.

Cauvery Calling aims to facilitate the plantation of 242 crore trees on farmlands across the Cauvery river basin, creating a long-term ecological and economic solution that improves soil health, enhances water retention, restores river flow, and increases farmer incomes.

A key component of the initiative is providing quality saplings and continuous support to farmers from planting to harvesting.

Save Soil – Cauvery Calling operates Asia’s largest single-site nursery in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, managed entirely by over 200 women and having an annual production capacity of 85 lakh saplings.

The movement also operates a second nursery in Tiruvannamalai with a capacity of 15 lakh saplings.

Together, these nurseries supply saplings through an extensive distribution network across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, enabling farmers to choose from a wide range of timber, fruit, and flower species suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

To ensure successful adoption of tree-based agriculture, the movement provides training, on-field guidance, and technical support.

More than 200 field executives offer free consultations on species selection, soil conditions, water availability, plantation methods, and long-term farm planning, the release says.

In 2025 alone, the team visited over 26,500 farmlands to support farmers.

The movement also conducts mega training programmes featuring experts from leading agricultural and research institutions.

In 2025, three large-scale training programmes reached more than 14,000 farmers, helping them adopt profitable and climate-resilient tree-based agriculture practices.

Additionally, over 60,000 farmers receive ongoing support through dedicated WhatsApp groups and a farmer helpline.