Presenting thampoolam bags — coconut or fruits with betel leaves and aricanut — to guests at marriages is an age-old tradition, and such return gifts have become part and parcel of all private and government functions and auspicious occasions. While books have replaced thampoolam in some places, lovers of nature and environmental activists have opted for the distribution of saplings instead.
Amid the rising demand for saplings, the Horticulture Department in Tamil Nadu is minting money by selling saplings of fruit-bearing trees, ornamental plants, aromatic plants, vegetables, flowering plants and herbals to be presented as return gifts at events.
“Ever since Agriculture Minister R. Doraikkannu announced the scheme in the Assembly last year, we have sold over three lakh saplings and have generated ₹25,60,086 in revenue,” said Secretary of the Agriculture Department Gagandeep Singh Bedi, who has modernised the horticulture park in Madhavaram for the purpose.
All the 63 horticulture farms and 20 parks across the State are growing saplings under green house and open cultivation methods. Saplings of over 70 plants are produced in these farms and parks.
“We grow saplings depending on the requirement. If customers want to distribute a particular type of plant or tree, they have to book in advance. In the case of fruit-bearing saplings, it will take a year. Herbs and vegetables can be readied in 30 days,” said Director of the Horticulture Department N. Subbaiyan.
The Department is also selling sapling packages customised to the requirement of clients.
“We produce sapling bags with the names of brides and bride grooms. Similarly, the names of sponsors and organisers of events can be printed on the bags. Packages include manure and plant-growing tips,” Mr. Subbaiyan said.
He explained that fruit-bearing trees are grown by grafting and layering methods.
Fruit plants like mangoes cost ₹60 each, while small plants can be bought for ₹15.
The Department has also created a portal, Ethottam, and customers can book saplings online. “We even allow private nurseries to participate in the portal as our objective is to make tree planting a mass movement, Mr. Subbaiyan said.
