Forest Ministry to launch special scheme

Forest Minister C H Vijayashankar said that with the objective of maintaining the ecosystem and increasing the forest area, the Forest Ministry will be launching a special scheme—Krishi Aranya Protsaha Yojane (Agriculture Forest Encouragement Scheme) wherein saplings will be distributed for the farmers and financial assistance will be given for the maintenance of the saplings for three years.

Speaking to presspersons at Gundya on Tuesday, he said saplings will be distributed to the farmers after obtaining applications through Gram Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Range Forest offices.

The government notification will be issued in this regard within eight days.

The saplings will be distributed on the basic of farm land owned by the farmers by producing RTC.

“Based on the number of surviving plants, the Government will offer Rs 10 as financial assistance for each plant after a year of plantation.”

“Similarly, if the same plants survive for the next year too, then each plant will fetch Rs 15. In the third year, Rs 20 will be given to farmers if they ensure the survival of the plants for the full three years, he said.

He said the ministry will enter into an agreement with the agriculture, horticulture universities and Agriculture Research Stations to supply quality saplings.

Tree Park

He said tree park will be developed in every district. The Forest department has identified land in Pilikula to develop Tree Park.

To create interest on trees and forest, school kids will be given three saplings. The child will be asked to name the saplings which it would like to grow and the saplings will be distributed. The children from V to II PUC can utilise the scheme, he informed.

He said the forest department will provide free saplings to those who would like to grow tree in their backyard.

The tanks in the district headquarters will be developed on the model of Daal Sarovar and Mysore Karanji. Kavoor tank near Mangalore will be developed soon, he added.

The Minister said that ‘Devara vana’ will be developed in every districts. The project is likely to be launched between June 20 and July 20 across the State.

Ban on acacia

Vijayashankar said that the growing eucalyptus has been banned in the State and the state has already passed a notification in this regard.

He said even acacia will be partially banned. The forest department and private nurseries will not grow eucalyptus saplings.

To avoid the misuse of tourist spots, the entry fee was hiked across the State.
However, as there was decline in the number of tourists visiting the spots, an officials meet will be convened to decide on the roll back.