The social forestry wing of the Forest Department in the district will distribute 2.5 lakh saplings to the public.
The saplings are meant to be planted in different locations with the arrival of the south-west monsoon.
The department will supply seedlings through its three nurseries at Kunthani, Chuzhali, and Begur.
The mass production of seedlings at the nurseries of the department is part of a scheme to attain self-sufficiency in timber and provide adequate green cover to the region, said K. Sunilkumar, range forest officer of the Social Forestry Department, Mananthavady, said.
The saplings include those of trees with timber value such as mahogany, anhili, kumizhu and of shade trees neermaruthu , gulmohar, bamboo, and konna . Saplings of medicinal trees such as neem, mandaram, lakshmitharu, karivepu, nelli, neermaruthu, and fruit-bearing trees such as guava, njaval , and pomegranate are available.
25 plant varieties
“Over 25 varieties of saplings suited to the topography of the district are ready for distribution,” Mr. Sunilkumar said, adding that the distribution would begin on June 1.
The saplings will be given free of charge to school students but will be sold at ₹17 each to the public, including youth organisations and local bodies.
For details, contact 04936 202623.
