International Childcare Trust became involved with tree planting in Tamil Nadu South India in 1989. In collaboration with the Palni Hills Conservation Council several hundred acres of land owned by small farmers around the villages of Combaipatti and Viruvidu was planted with trees. This produced economic and environmental benefits. Farmers' incomes have increased and land has been changed from arid wasteland to productive woodland.

More recently ICT's efforts have concentrated around the village of Silvarpatti, Anna District, Tamil Nadu. It is here that a new hospital has been constructed by ICT, which supports a whole range of primary healthcare, outreach work and education.

Much of the land here is arid and marginal, supporting one crop per annum. Many farmers have been tempted to sell their lands to more affluent farmers and corporations who have the money and the expertise to turn their fields back into economically viable concerns. It is ICT's aim to halt this trend and enable the families of small farmers to maintain their traditional lifestyle in a sustainable manner. This is being done by mixed tree plantations which provide many economically useful products such as firewood, fodder, fruits, seeds, and timber. Firewood and fodder are particularly important for poor rural peoples and are rarely provided for by the big monoculture plantations. By carefully selecting species the day to day needs of the villagers are provided for plus cash, available by the felling of high value timber, for contingencies such as education, health and marriage.

To redress ecological degradation, halt soil erosion, increase tree cover and protect and utilise available water resources.

To promote silviculture as an economically sustainable, self supporting activity for rural communities.

To support and enhance traditional lifestyles within rural communities.

• A tree nursery has been established on leased land in Sevungampatti: this will propagate 70,000 saplings yearly for a period of five years, consisting of 19 different species.
• The tree nursery will also grow an extra 20,000 mixed species for commercial sale.
• The nursery will be staffed by one nursery man and two assistants.
• High quality seed will be collected from mature mother trees and seed banks.
• Each acre of land will be ploughed, contour bunded and planted with 400 mixed tree species. Each year 175 acres will be planted. A borewell will be sunk and a cart and two bullocks purchased for watering during dry seasons.
• Low cost accommodation will be constructed to house the bullocks.
• Participating farmers will attend training programmes. These will provide practical information on agroforestry techniques and benefits. Exposure trips to already established plantations will be organised.
• Villagers will participate in regular informal educational programmes focusing on tree planting and associated environmental issues.
• Project staff will attend training programmes to update their knowledge skills.