The state cabinet on Friday approved free distribution of saplings to government departments, farmers and others who would participate in the ‘Vriksharopan Janaandolan’ 2021, the title given to the state’s annual plantation drive this year when a total of 30 crore trees would be planted inUttar Pradeshin July.
The plantation would be done following the Corona protocol. The date when the trees would be planted is yet to be decided. Sources in the forest department said the letter from the government is awaited. The plantation drive will start in the first week of July which is celebrated asVan Mahotsavin the country.
‘s emphasis is more on the environmentally significant trees and the ones that boost immunity like Peepal, Banyan, Pakar, Sahjan, Mahua, Neem, Aonla, Mango and other desi varieties along with the ones that find mention in the religious and mythological scriptures. This time, at least 30 tree species that find mention in the Valmiki Ramayan will be planted. These are the ones that still are found in the state and can be grown in the given conditions of Soil and Climate.
The state government had distributed free saplings to farmers in 2019 and 2020 as well. Poplar and Eucalyptus were excluded last year also. In the last two years, the state has planted 22 crore and 25 crore trees respectively. Forest department has a separate budget for plantation while other government departments do not have a separate allocation for plantation and that is the reason why the forest department would give free saplings to the departments.
The plantation drive is one of the ways of the government to help farmers’ create an additional Source Of Income. By planting timber-yielding, fruit bearing or fodder-giving varieties farmers can earn an extra income. The demands of the farmers have already been recorded at every gram panchayat level and they will be given the saplings accordingly.