Haryana to distribute free seedlings to raise tree cover

Chandigarh, July 3 (UNI) To increase the tree cover in the state, the Haryana Forest Department has raised about 2.5 crore seedlings this year for free distribution to the farmers, government institutions and general public for plantation.

Minister of State for Forest Kiran Chaudhary said the social, farm and agro forestry activities were the most important aspects of forestry in the state.

She said the main emphasis under the scheme was to supply seedlings to the tree growers to meet the demand for agro-forestry products and services in the country which was increasing with rapid economic growth, industrialisation and increase in population.

The farmers, she said, had been encouraged to take up agro-forestry and farm forestry for higher income generation by evolving technology, extension and credit support.

The Minister said that due to the greater economic returns per unit area of Agro-forestry, the emphasis was laid on raising plants of commercial value like Eucalyptus, Poplar, Shisham to enhance income of tree growing farmers and thus their interest in tree planting activities.

Institutions and other public were also encouraged to plant ornamental and shady trees on their private lands for ecological considerations, she added.

UNI