Unveiling the GROW Portal: NITI Aayog’s Green Initiative

Introduction
• In a recent development spearheaded by a distinguished Member of NITI Aayog, the Greening and Restoration of Wasteland with Agroforestry (GROW) report and portal have been launched. This portal, now accessible to all, marks a pivotal moment in sustainable land management efforts across India.
Portal Highlights:
• The GROW portal, seamlessly integrated into the Bhuvan website, opens avenues for accessing vital state and district-level data. Aligned with national objectives, notably the commitment to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and establish an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, the portal is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship.
Technological Advancements:
• Under the leadership of NITI Aayog, the GROW initiative showcases a collaborative approach, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This technological synergy enables a comprehensive assessment of agroforestry suitability across India’s diverse landscapes.
Methodology Insights:
• A significant outcome of the GROW initiative is the creation of the Agroforestry Suitability Index (ASI). This index, derived from in-depth analysis of thematic datasets, facilitates national-level prioritization for greening and restoration endeavors. Through the analysis of thematic layers such as land use, wasteland, slope, water proximity, and soil organic content, areas amenable to agroforestry interventions are identified with precision.
Key Features:
• The GROW portal offers a suite of features to aid decision-makers and stakeholders:
• District-level insights into wasteland areas suitable for agroforestry
• A nuanced area prioritization regime, distinguishing highly suitable, moderate, and less suitable areas for agroforestry interventions
• Dynamic live maps for enhanced visualization
• Detailed area analysis-statistic reports
• An interactive mode/tool allowing flexibility in adjusting parameters to suit local conditions and requirements.
Conclusion:
• The launch of the GROW portal underscores a collective commitment to sustainable land management practices in India. By harnessing advanced technologies and fostering collaboration, the initiative paves the way for achieving national environmental goals while promoting resilience and sustainability in agriculture.