Seed Ball Campaign - A Simple and Effective Medium to Increase Greenery
Seed balls are a very simple, economical, and highly effective means of making the environment green and for reforestation. In this, seeds are protected in the form of small balls made from a mixture of soil and organic fertilizer, allowing them to grow even in inaccessible places without effort. A seed ball is a small, dry ball of seeds, soil (primarily clay soil), and organic fertilizer (manure or vermicompost). The seeds are wrapped in this natural coating and dried. It is best to use seed balls after the first good monsoon rains when the soil has sufficient moisture. Scatter them on the ground while traveling or walking through open spaces. Upon coming into contact with water, they begin to develop into plants.
The monsoon season is considered the most suitable time for afforestation and forest expansion. With this objective, the Forest Department is running a seed ball campaign. This campaign is an effective effort to increase greenery in areas where planting trees is difficult, through public participation.
What is a Seed Ball?
A seed ball is a small spherical ball made from soil, cow dung or organic fertilizer, and seeds of various trees. It is thrown into forests, hills, barren lands, and inaccessible areas. When it receives rainwater, the seeds germinate and take the form of plants.
Forest Department's Green Campaign
Under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the directives of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department is widely operating the seed ball program along with campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (One Tree in Mother's Name), Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival), and Yuva For Nature (Youth for Nature). With the active participation of schools, colleges, voluntary organizations, women self-help groups, and local villagers, thousands and lakhs of seed balls are being prepared and distributed in forests and barren lands.
Important Role in Biodiversity Conservation
Seed balls use seeds of local species including Mahua, Tamarind, Harra, Bahera, Jamun, Karanj, Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Mango, Jamun, Sal, Bijasal, Char, Khamar. This leads to the expansion of natural forests, provides food and shelter to wildlife, and ensures the conservation of biodiversity.
Powerful Medium for Environmental Protection
The seed ball campaign helps in increasing green cover, as well as in water conservation, reducing soil erosion or degradation, carbon sequestration, and mitigating the effects of climate change. It is an effective way to green a larger area at a low cost.
A Green Future Will Be Built with Public Participation
The Forest Department's aim is not just to plant trees but also to develop awareness about environmental conservation in society. When children, youth, women, and villagers join this campaign, every person becomes a participant in nature conservation.
Every Citizen Should Fulfill Their Responsibility
If every citizen prepares some seed balls during the rainy season and throws them in suitable locations or participates in tree planting, Chhattisgarh's green cover will become even richer in the coming years. The seed ball campaign is a simple, accessible, and effective way to fulfill our responsibility towards nature.