Progress for Humanity: Hyundai Motor India Foundation expands ‘Hyundai IONIQ Forest' Agroforestry initiative empowering 115 Chenchu tribal families in Andhra Pradesh
Phase 1 has transformed the lives of 115 Chenchu families in Nandyal district by shifting them from subsistence to sustainable farming
Phase 2 aims to enhance green cover across 350 acres in 20 villages over the next three years
Farmers to receive support with fencing, saplings, manure and training in modern farming techniques
Community-based Organizations (CBOs) to be established and strengthened through leadership training
Initiatives to raise awareness of government programmes for holistic community development
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has empowered 115 Chenchu tribal families in Nandyal district by transitioning them from subsistence farming to sustainable agroforestry through its Hyundai IONIQ Forest initiative. Launched in October 2022, the initiative has enhanced livelihoods of Chenchu families spread across the villages of Chenchu Lakshmi Gudem, Narapureddy Kunta, Bairlooty and Nagalooty in Nandyal district by integrating sustainable agroforestry, land and water management and capacity building interventions.
Under Phase 1, a total of 250 acres of land has been developed for long-term income generation through horticulture plantations, supported by assured irrigation infrastructure such as bore wells and drip irrigation systems. This has improved water efficiency, soil fertility and sustained agricultural practices, reducing dependency on forest resources and promoting environmental sustainability. Diversified agroforestry practices including intercropping have enhanced household incomes, generating ₹ 24.56 lakh across four villages during the last two years. Additionally, the project leveraged ₹ 75.53 lakhs from various state government departments including Department of Horticulture, Integrated Tribal Development Agency [ITDA] and schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme [MGNREGS], further strengthening food security and self-reliance within these communities.
The second phase of its Agroforestry initiative – Hyundai IONIQ Forest was launched today to extend environment and sustainable livelihood support to tribal and marginalised families across 20 villages in Nandyal and Kurnool districts. At the ceremony, Mr.A.G.Nayak, Assistant Project Director, Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Ms.K.Chandana, Divisional Horticulture Officer, ITDA and HMIF officials unveiled the project name board and handed over saplings to the beneficiaries. Mr.B.Shivarudrappa, Vice President and Regional Director – South, BAIF NGO was also present during the occasion.
In this second phase, HMIF will support the beneficiaries with land levelling, pit digging, saplings supply, fencing, exposure visits and training in sustainable farming techniques such as intercropping and crop management. Additionally, farmers will receive organic manure, mechanized tilling and ploughing support.
With a total funding of ₹5.3 Crore, the project will help cultivate 600 acres of land owned by 290 farmers cumulatively, making them self-reliant.
Commenting on the launch of the second phase of Agroforestry 'Hyundai IONIQ Forest' project Gopalakrishnan C S, Trustee, Hyundai Motor India Foundation said, 'Hyundai IONIQ Forest is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. By integrating agroforestry with livelihood support, we aim to support tribal and marginalised families achieve self-reliance. Through such initiatives, we continue to drive sustainable progress and meaningful change, reinforcing Hyundai's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity'.'
In 2011, HMIF rolled out a similar project in Tamil Nadu where 500 acres of barren land was revived and restored by planting 18 species of more than 2 lakh trees across 5 districts in Tamil Nadu. This initiative has improved the livelihood of 346 farmers and sequestering 17833 tonnes of carbon to date. Additionally, Hyundai Motor India Foundation has spearheaded a host of green initiatives; reviving 12.5 acres of barren land in Irrungattukottai SIPCOT in Tamil Nadu and providing livelihood to 15 tribal families, restoration of approx. 20 acres of park in Gurugram, donating plants to farmers and the community regularly, and restoring waterbodies of 5.86 acres where tree plantation is an integral component.
Know more: Corporate Social Responsibility | Hyundai Motor India Limited
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