SRINAGAR, Aug 15: With an aim to increase the green cover and uplift farmers within the union territory, the Jammu and Kashmir government would distribute 10 lakh saplings to local farmers.
The saplings, comprising species of local, medicinal, and economic importance, are aimed at augmenting tree coverage outside forests and enhancing rural livelihoods.
The ambitious project is part of a broader effort to increase green cover in the region, which has faced challenges with deforestation and environmental degradation.
By providing farmers with saplings, the forest department aims to encourage widespread planting, which will contribute to environmental sustainability while also supporting local economies.
The 10 lakh saplings as per the officials will include a diverse range of species, selected for their ecological benefits and economic potential.
“These species are expected to support local biodiversity, improve soil quality, and provide various medicinal and economic benefits. By distributing these saplings among farmers, the initiative seeks to promote agroforestry practices and enhance the overall health of the environment,” an official said.
Farmers will receive saplings suited to their specific regions and soil conditions, ensuring a higher success rate for planting and growth.
“The project is designed to create a win-win situation: it will help restore degraded lands and provide farmers with additional sources of income through the sale of fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants,” officials said.
Apart from this initiative, the government is also aiming to plant over 2 crore saplings in the current fiscal year.
Last financial year as many as 180 lakh plants were planted inside forests and on vacant lands in Jammu and Kashmir.
To achieve the targets, campaigns like ‘Plastic Free Forest,’ ‘Paid Lagao Beti Ke Naam,’ ‘Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan,’ and ‘Mission Life’ have been already launched by the government across all districts of the UT of J&K.
Besides, PRIs and ULB representatives, police, paramilitary, armed forces, school and college students, NGOs, eco-clubs, and citizens have been actively involved in such campaigns to increase the green cover in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)