Mega fruit tree plantation in India - Sustenance and benevolence in action

Over the past decades, India has lost a lot of forest cover in the name of urbanisation. Trees are ‘green gold’ and we have not been doing much to conserve this gold. Tree plantation drives are a very good way towards restoring the tree cover but for deeper impact, a unique fruit tree plantation drive has been commenced in India and aimed at preserving ecological balance. The implementation is being led by Ammucare Charitable Trust (India) and Mohanji Foundation in India and by ACT Foundation globally.

In conversation with Ms Soma Seal, President – Ammucare Charitable Trust:

a) Please brief us about this unique fruit tree plantation drive

The fruit tree plantation drive has been launched as a sustenance movement with the objective of not just afforestation, but also benevolence to all beings of nature. This is a dire need in India today, after the intense deforestation over the last 30 years.

The focus on fruit trees in particular is driven by our vision of supporting the beings that depend on trees and forests. As we have seen in recent years, animals often come out of the forests due to the lack of food and end up being attacked or killed. Fruit trees planted in areas adjacent to forests will provide enough food for various beings of the forest, enhancing their safety.

Hence, the Fruit Tree Plantation Drive (https://fruittreeplantation.org) was initiated by Mohanji with a goal of planting 100,000 fruit trees by the end of 2021. The implementation is led by Ammucare Charitable Trust (India) and Mohanji Foundation in India and by ACT Foundation globally.

b) How did this idea come up and who is the driving force behind this?

The idea of the Fruit Tree Plantation Drive came from Mohanji, the founder of Mohanji Foundation, Ammucare Charitable Trust and several non-profit organisations across the world. As a humanitarian, Mohanji has dedicated his life to serving the world and stands for the highest human values of kindness, compassion, non-violence and unconditional love. Mohanji lives by the motto “Your net worth is based on what you give to earth, and not what you take from earth!”.

c) How did you plan the entire drive in India. Please share details about the states that you are touching

Our organisations mobilised our core teams present in 20+ states across India. We forged collaborations with forest / horticulture departments and with other NGOs with shared values. We roped in local communities and citizen groups, so that the right locations are chosen and the long-term care of the trees is assured.

So far, we have conducted drives in 9 states. Our efforts have received active support and accolades from local governments, administration and ministries.

d) Out of the targeted fruit trees to be planted, how much has been done already?

Since its launch on 23rd February 2021 (the birthday of Mohanji), our teams have planted over 17,000 fruit tree saplings in 9 states.

e) How are the upcoming months planned for the drive, and how soon will the set target be achieved?

By the end of 2021, we will have plantations in at least 14 states of the country, to reach the overall target of 100,000 fruit trees. On 19th September, a massive drive is planned across the country with over 10,000 saplings to be planted on a single day across 15-20 locations.  

f) What message do you want to convey to the people in India?

The fruit tree plantation drive is a unique movement that seeks to enhance green cover and also facilitate a harmonious co-existence of all species and with respect to Mother Earth.

“We invite all the members of our community, both corporate investors and individual supporters, to donate generously and propel our effort to revive and restore forests in India. The whole of India should recognise who their true heroes are. Together we can make sure that our future generations have a beautiful world to live in” – Soma Seal, President (Ammucare Charitable Trust).

g) What are the types of fruit trees that you have been planting in the targeted regions?

We select fruit trees as per the location, climate & soil condition and trees with longevity to last for generations. We have classified trees into 2 categories, based on their regenerative nature:
Category 1 (first priority):
Mango, Jackfruit, Coconut, Wood Apple, Elephant apple, Date palm, Chickoo, Guava, Custard Apple, Pomegranate, Oranges, Sweet lime, Lychee, Almond, Ber, Amla, Tamarind, Kendu, Jamun, Asian Pears, Apples, Indian Plums, Cherry, Figs

Category 2:
Banyan, Peepal, Audambar, Drumsticks, Neem, Cashew, Palm & Carob

h) More details about the drive

The organisers have estimated the cost of planting a tree, inclusive of all the protective covers, preparation and event logistics, at around Rs 1000/ tree, and an additional cost of Rs 3000/tree for nurturing it for the first 3 years of growth. Further, any saplings that don’t survive will be replanted so that the set target of new fruit trees planted is adhered to.

The team is looking for funding support and donations towards this noble cause.

More details about the drive are available at https://fruittreeplantation.org or via email at treeplantation@ammucare.org.

Disclaimer: No Asian Age journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.