- The resolution of Green Chhattisgarh is being realized through public participation.
- Dhananjay Rathore
- Joint Director
- Ashok Kumar Chandravanshi
- Assistant Public Relations Officer
Seed balls are a simple, cost-effective, and highly effective means of greening the environment and reforestation. Seeds are protected in the form of small balls with a mixture of soil and organic fertilizer, allowing them to grow effortlessly even in inaccessible areas. Seed balls are a small, dry ball of seeds, soil (primarily clay), and organic fertilizer (dung or vermicompost). The seeds are wrapped in this natural covering and dried. It is best to use seed balls after the first good monsoon rains, when the soil is sufficiently moist. Scatter them on the soil while traveling or walking in open areas. They begin to grow into plants as soon as they come in contact with water. The rainy season is considered the most suitable time for planting trees and expanding forests. To this end, the Forest Department is running the Seed Ball Campaign. This campaign is an effective effort to increase greenery through public participation in areas where it is difficult to plant trees.
- ‘What is a seed ball?’
Seed balls are small, spherical balls made from soil, cow dung, or organic fertilizer, and seeds from various trees. They are thrown into forests, hills, vacant land, and inaccessible areas. When exposed to rainwater, the seeds germinate and grow into plants.
- ‘Green Campaign of Forest Department’
Under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the direction of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department is implementing a large-scale seed ball program along with campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Van Mahotsav, and Yuva for Nature. With the active participation of schools, colleges, NGOs, women’s self-help groups, and local villagers, thousands and millions of seed balls are being prepared and distributed in forests and vacant lands.
- ‘Important role in biodiversity conservation’
Seed balls use seeds from local species, including mahua, tamarind, myrobalan, baheda, jamun, karanja, neem, banyan, peepal, mango, jamun, sal, bija, char, and khamar. This expands natural forests, provides food and shelter to wildlife, and ensures biodiversity conservation.
- A powerful tool for environmental protection
The seed ball campaign not only increases green cover but also helps conserve water, reduce soil erosion, absorb carbon, and mitigate the effects of climate change. It is an effective way to green a large area at a low cost.
- ‘People’s participation will create a green future’
The Forest Department’s goal isn’t just to plant trees, but also to foster social awareness about environmental protection. When children, youth, women, and villagers join this campaign, everyone becomes a partner in nature conservation.
- Every citizen must fulfill his responsibility
If every citizen prepares some seed balls during the rainy season and places them in suitable locations or participates in tree planting, Chhattisgarh’s green cover will be even richer in the coming years. The Seed Ball Campaign is a simple, accessible, and effective way to fulfill our responsibility to nature.
