Under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun organized a plantation drive for the celebration of Uttarakhand’s festival ‘Harela’ that signifies greening of the region and ICAR 96th foundation day in Pata, Phatyou, and Ichhala Villages of Kalsi Block, Dehradun on July 16, 2024.

The program was organized under the active guidance of Dr. M. Madhu, Director of the institute, Dr. M. Muruganandam (Principal Scientist and TSP Coordinator, Dehradun), Dr. Dharam Veer Singh (Head, Division of Soil Science & Agronomy), and Dr. A.K. Singh (TSP Coordinator of the institute).

Dr. Raman Jeet Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) Team Leader of TSP scheme discussed agriculture-related problems and suggested potential solutions while highlighting future work plans with the villagers.

During the program, 500 mango saplings, 200 Kagzi lime plants, 50 jackfruits, and 200 Mohru Baanz (Quercus floribunda) plants were distributed to encourage the community's commitment to ensuring crop diversification for doubling farmers income, food, and nutritional security, as well as environmental conservation (Springshed rejuvenation) in the villages.

The community-supported plantation drive ought to improve nutritional security, increase green cover, contribute to carbon sequestration, and create a healthier ecosystem. An advisory was also given to farmers regarding the development of an agri-horticulture system with the adoption of soil and water conservation measures in the degraded lands of the Himalaya. In the next phase of the program, the team has also planned to monitor already-planted fruit plants.

Sh. Mudit Mishra, Technical Assistant, IISWC and a total of 40 farmers took active part in the plantation drive and ICAR Foundation day celebrations.