Bhubaneswar: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment has officially launched a large-scale fruit sapling plantation drive, planting over 2.3 million saplings across the state under the campaign titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.” This ambitious initiative aims to increase green cover, promote environmental sustainability, and honor mothers by encouraging citizens to plant trees in their memory.
The plantation drive commenced at 9 a.m. today at the Deras Horticulture Farm in Bhubaneswar. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment. Over 1,500 high-quality fruit saplings — including jamun, lychee, coconut, and pineapple — were planted at the farm as part of the state-level event.
Trainees from the Horticulture Excellence Center, staff from the Deras Horticulture Farm, and departmental officers actively participated in the plantation. The event marked the official launch of a campaign that will see over 2.3 million fruit saplings planted across all districts of Odisha with widespread community participation.
The drive has received enthusiastic support from schools, colleges, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organisations (FPOs), NGOs, and various community groups. To promote broad participation, the department distributed free saplings—including mango, Kagzi lemon, banana, jackfruit, and other fruit varieties—to stakeholders across the state.
In addition to the plantation, the department organised awareness programs focused on educating participants about the proper care and maintenance of saplings to ensure their survival and growth over the next three years. District authorities have been tasked with monitoring progress by uploading data and photographs of plantations to the MeriLiFE Portal.
The plantation drive also saw active participation from women and elderly citizens, who pledged to honor Mother Earth. Horticulture Director Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Director Subrat Kumar Panda, and other senior officials were present and joined the sapling planting activities.
The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign symbolises a heartfelt tribute to motherhood and the environment. It is expected to play a vital role in expanding the state’s green cover, fostering sustainable agriculture, and instilling a culture of environmental responsibility among the citizens of Odisha.
With this large-scale effort underway, the Odisha government aims not only to improve the ecological health of the state but also to inspire communities to continue planting and caring for trees beyond this campaign.
