Forest Department to distribute 9 lakh saplings to farmers; 50,000 saplings will be planted within city limits

Mysuru:  In a major move to increase green cover in Mysuru and surrounding areas, the Forest Department has decided to distribute 9 lakh saplings to the farmers as part of World Environment Day next month. This apart, the Department will plant over 50,000 saplings in Mysuru city limits.

The mega sapling distribution and planting drive will be launched on World Environment Day on June 5. To cater to the demand, the Department has already grown saplings of different species at its seven nurseries.

The saplings include trees with high timber value such as Teak, Rosewood and Mahogany. Medicinal plants too adorn the collection in some of the nurseries. Those who want to have saplings that are grown for shades too will have plenty of options. A majority of the plants are of flowering and fruit-bearing trees. Apart from wild trees, the popular saplings include Jackfruit, Mango, Njaval (Jamun), Teak, Guava, Anjili and Gooseberry.

Forest officials said that there is a great demand from farmers for Sandalwood, Teak, Hebbevu and Silver Oak saplings as these trees can fetch good returns when they grow.

Many farmers in Hunsur, Periyapatna and surrounding areas have grown these trees and over the years, they have gained huge profits.

Realising the potential and demand for the trees, the Department will distribute such tree species in and around Mysuru, T. Narasipur, H.D. Kote and Hunsur. Forest Department officials say the main targeted beneficiaries of the green initiative are farmers and students from various educational institutions. Nearly nine lakh plants will be distributed in quality grow bags.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Prashanth Kumar said that the Government is encouraging farmers and residents to grow more and more trees and as an incentive, farmers are given Rs. 100 (per three years) if saplings are procured from the Department and are grown in their lands. This Rs. 100 is divided into three instalments per year and the first and second year, the farmer will get Rs. 30 each per tree and in the third year, he will get Rs. 40, Dr. Prashanth Kumar added.

Forest Department officials say the distribution will begin in full swing with the reopening of schools in June. Since the season is favourable now, local bodies too are interested in supporting the scheme and plant saplings in their own limits.

Coming to city limits, the Department will plant 50,000 saplings in new layouts including KSRTC Layout, Police Academy, Mounted Police Office, Roopanagar and new areas that have been formed in Vijayanagar.

Saplings like Honge, Tabebuia, Maththi, Banyan, Peepal and Sampige will be planted by the side of the roads.

These saplings will take up to five years to provide shade. The Department has invited local associations and residents welfare associations to come forward to take saplings from  the nurseries and plant the same in their areas.