Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards environmental conservation, the Odisha Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department has announced a massive sapling plantation drive across the state. As part of the larger “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, the department plans to plant over 23 lakh saplings in its offices and premises on September 17, 2025.
This drive forms a crucial part of the Odisha government’s ambitious goal to plant 75 lakh trees statewide. The plantation will cover all offices under the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department as well as the Directorate of Soil Conservation and Horticulture. Along with office premises, other available spaces will also be utilised for planting saplings.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department, has called upon Agriculture Department officers from all districts to actively participate in the program by planting at least one sapling each.
The Directorate of Soil Conservation and Horticulture will provide all 23 lakh saplings required for the drive. To ensure accountability and track progress, officers have been instructed to click photos of the planted saplings and upload them onto the MeriLiFE portal.
“Let us give the earth a green gift through the joint efforts of all,” said Dr. Padhee.
