Coimbatore: In a joint initiative by Forest College and Research Institute (FC&RI), Mettupalayam (MTP) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, an event to initiate planting of one lakh native tree saplings was flagged off by Governor of Tamil Nadu, today.
Coimbatore: In a joint initiative by Forest College and Research Institute (FC&RI), Mettupalayam (MTP) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, an event to initiate planting of one lakh native tree saplings was flagged off by Governor of Tamil Nadu, today.
TN Governor, Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the initiative and planted the first native tree sapling (Shenbagam – Michelia Champaka) in the presence of Dr. N. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, Coimbatore, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS., Agrl. Production Commissioner & Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department and other dignitaries.
The organisers claim it to be a first-of-its- kind, as all one lakh native tree saplings will be planted at the same premises. The tree saplings grown at FC & RI were planted in the ‘K’ and ‘F’ blocks of FC & RI, covering an area of 50 acres. Through this initiative, the degraded forest area of this institute will be rehabilitated, opine the organisers.
Best silvicultural practices such as addition of plant growth-promoting bacteria, vermicompost, Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and bio-control agents were carried out, while preparing pits for planting. This is meant for enhancing the growth of the plants to withstand drought situations.
Totally 35 indigenous native tree species were planted which include Sandal (Santalum album), Satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia), Bahara (Terminalia arjuna), Sage leaved alungium (Alangium salvifolium), Chinese Banyan Tree (Ficus retusa), Helicopter Tree (Gyrocarpus jacquini), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Karuvel (Acacia nilotica), Illupai (Madhuca longifolia), Pungam (Pongamia pinnata) and Poovarasu (Thespesia populnea).
These tree species will help in augmenting the climate and eco system, by way of carbon sequestration, releasing of oxygen, temperature moderation, manipulation of microclimate, soil and water conservation, recharge of groundwater, and this habitat will become home for several species of birds and wild animals.
Once the saplings grow, the place will transform as a good resource of food, fodder, fuel, non-timber forest products such as honey and fruits, small timber, and also function as an educational plot for students and researchers. Apart from this, this will also serve as a model plot for educating farmers, forest officials and other stakeholders.
In a bid to maintain and safeguard the tree saplings in it's initial stage, trenches will be dug around the plot to prevent elephant intrusion and drip irrigation during summer seasons. Students will be be engaged in post silvicultural operations and in maintenance and growth, which is also forms as a part of their course curriculum.
The arrangements for the programme were made by Dr.K.K. Suresh, Dean, FC & RI and team. Board of Management Members of TNAU, Government Officers, Staff and Students of FC & RI, and Students from TNAU main campus, Coimbatore participated in the programme.
TN Governor, Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the initiative and planted the first native tree sapling (Shenbagam – Michelia Champaka) in the presence of Dr. N. Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, Coimbatore, Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS., Agrl. Production Commissioner & Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department and other dignitaries.
The organisers claim it to be a first-of-its- kind, as all one lakh native tree saplings will be planted at the same premises. The tree saplings grown at FC & RI were planted in the ‘K’ and ‘F’ blocks of FC & RI, covering an area of 50 acres. Through this initiative, the degraded forest area of this institute will be rehabilitated, opine the organisers.
Best silvicultural practices such as addition of plant growth-promoting bacteria, vermicompost, Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and bio-control agents were carried out, while preparing pits for planting. This is meant for enhancing the growth of the plants to withstand drought situations.
Totally 35 indigenous native tree species were planted which include Sandal (Santalum album), Satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia), Bahara (Terminalia arjuna), Sage leaved alungium (Alangium salvifolium), Chinese Banyan Tree (Ficus retusa), Helicopter Tree (Gyrocarpus jacquini), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Karuvel (Acacia nilotica), Illupai (Madhuca longifolia), Pungam (Pongamia pinnata) and Poovarasu (Thespesia populnea).
These tree species will help in augmenting the climate and eco system, by way of carbon sequestration, releasing of oxygen, temperature moderation, manipulation of microclimate, soil and water conservation, recharge of groundwater, and this habitat will become home for several species of birds and wild animals.
Once the saplings grow, the place will transform as a good resource of food, fodder, fuel, non-timber forest products such as honey and fruits, small timber, and also function as an educational plot for students and researchers. Apart from this, this will also serve as a model plot for educating farmers, forest officials and other stakeholders.
In a bid to maintain and safeguard the tree saplings in it's initial stage, trenches will be dug around the plot to prevent elephant intrusion and drip irrigation during summer seasons. Students will be be engaged in post silvicultural operations and in maintenance and growth, which is also forms as a part of their course curriculum.
The arrangements for the programme were made by Dr.K.K. Suresh, Dean, FC & RI and team. Board of Management Members of TNAU, Government Officers, Staff and Students of FC & RI, and Students from TNAU main campus, Coimbatore participated in the programme.