ICAR–RCER Patna organized tree plantation drive on ‘Hariyali Amavasya’

Hariyali Amavasya, a monsoon festival symbolizes greenery, prosperity, and harmony with nature, is considered highly auspicious for plantation and environmental conservation. On this occasion, ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER), Patna organized a tree plantation drive at its headquarters in Patna as well as its centre at FSRCHPR, Ranchi, KVK, Ramgarh, and KVK Buxar. The programme also featured a live broadcast of the mass tree plantation campaign led by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, which was viewed by the institute’s officials and staff.

The drive underscored the importance of environmental conservation and encouraged people to protect and nurture green resources for a sustainable future. A total of 64 fruit and multipurpose tree saplings were planted across the headquarters at Patna, its centre, and two KVKs. The saplings included mango, jackfruit, pomelo, tamarind, and water apple, selected for their nutritional, ecological, and economic value.

The initiative was undertaken in alignment with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which more than 6,000 trees have already been planted across the institute’s centres and in farmers’ fields.

Dr. Anup Das, Director of the institute, in his address emphasized that tree plantation is not merely an environmental activity but a commitment towards building a healthy, resilient, and sustainable future, where both planting and proper aftercare are equally important.

He further stated that planting fruit and locally adapted tree species strengthens agro-biodiversity, enhances nutritional security through diversified diets and improves farm income via sustained yields and marketable produce, while also delivering critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, microclimate regulation, and water conservation.

More than 110 staff members from the institute and its centres actively participated in the event.