Chhattisgarh(Raipur)IndiaStates and Capitals

On World Forest Day, Chhattisgarh plans to plant 15 crore commercial trees over the next five years.

The Chhattisgarh government has launched a new project to plant 15 crore commercial trees in five years to increase farmer income. On the occasion of International Day of Forests, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel declared its implementation on Tuesday.

According to Rajesh Kallaje, chief conservator of forests in Chhattisgarh, the government is encouraging commercial plantation of teak, bamboo, Malabar neem, eucalyptus, and sandalwood on farmers’ fields as well as government and private institution land. “Planting commercial species on farmers’ land would also support wood-based companies because raw materials would be available inside the state rather than having to be procured from other states.” This is the first scheme of its sort in which high-quality planting materials are employed on a broad scale, and the government will also set the minimum purchase price for selected tree species every year, providing farmers with an assured income.”

Environmentalists have applauded the project but have suggested that priority be given to indigenous flora and that the government take measures to preserve the state’s true forest cover.

The state government would grant a 100% financial subsidy for tree plantation on up to 5 acres of land under the Mukhyamantri Vriksh Sampada Yojana (Chief Minister Tree Wealth Scheme) and a 50% financial subsidy on more than 5 acres. The government will set the minimum purchase price for specific tree species.

This year, the government has set up Rs 100 crore for the scheme. So far, 22,000 people have signed up for the scheme, most of whom are farmers.

“That is not an insurmountable task,” said Vivek Jogelkar, an environmentalist from Chhattisgarh, “but the question is whether it will be implemented?” Sitaphal, Tamarind, and Lakh trees are excellent choices for cultivating. Sandalwood could be taken. Eucalyptus is beneficial for air purification. I hope they promote native vegetation. It’s a terrific plan, but I hope it can be sustained.”

Alok Shukla, 43, a member of the Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, praised the government’s move as well. “Yet, efforts must be taken to protect natural forests.” Hasdeo is an example of a place where people protest daily. Human-animal conflict is becoming more common.”

According to government estimates, the trees of all species planted in five years will cost Rs 10,000 crore when they mature. Farmers can receive between Rs 15,000 and Rs 50,000 per acre of land under this scheme each year.

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