Deptt. of E&F initiates ‘Each one – Plant one’ programme, Distributes Around 2 Lakh Seedlings

Port Blair, Aug. 12: To improve the nutritional security of the Islands and wellbeing of the islanders as per the direction of the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration through Department of Environment & Forests conceived a novel programme ‘Each one – Plant one’, a month long plantation drive of fruit bearing tree seedlings from 15th July to 15th August, 2022 as a part of Van Mahotsava.

The Idea was spearheaded by the Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and included in the annual plan of operation of the CAMPA scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. 

As a precursor for the programme, the Forest Department had taken-up the initiative for seed collection from the community and raising the same in forest nurseries. Quality seeds were used for producing seedlings based on the local public preference which was finalised through public meetings and door to door survey by the Forest Department. About 8.5 Lakhs seedlings were raised by the Forest Department for the campaign by 30.6.2022. 

The plantation drive started with the message of the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 15.7.2022 urging islanders to actively participate in the campaign.  The plantation of the campaign included awareness activities such as poster display at prominent places, Pamphlet distribution, soft media campaign, announcement through vehicles, distribution of seedlings at different parts of the islands, etc. by the forest department.

Extensive consultations with the PRIs and Government Departments were also carried out to finalise the action plans to distribute the seedlings and taking the programme forward.

As a result of these efforts, fruit seedlings of species like Bael, Sitaphal, Cashew nut, Jack Fruit, Amla, Jamun, Drumstick, Tamarind, Sapota, Papaya, Lemon and other indigenous fruit trees wereplanted  in homesteads, housing sites, schools and other office spaces. Besides this, a large number of seedlings were also distributed among the general public and school children by the Andaman & Nicobar Forest Department for planting in the homesteads. The Administration directed all the Government Servants to plant minimum two seedlings to make the campaign a success.

Due to these efforts more than two Lakhs seedlings of high quality fruit tree seedlings have been so far distributed in the Islands as on 12.8.2022.The campaign would enhance fruit availability for the general public in long run and will secure their nutritional security.

The Chief Secretary, A&N Islands, Shri Keshav Chandra has directed to further intensify the fruit bearing tree plantation rogramme and also identify indigenous species for plantation,  a press release from Forest Deptt. said.