Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, inaugurated the Vriksh Utpadak Mela (Tree Growers’ Fair) in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The event is organized by the ICFRE (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education) Ecological Restoration Centre, Prayagraj, in collaboration with local stakeholders. It aims to promote tree productivity, sustainable agroforestry, and the use of non-timber forest products. Technical sessions were held on species such as poplar, bamboo, sandalwood, mahogany, melia dubia, and moringa, covering cultivation, processing, and market linkages. Progressive farmers engaged with experts and were felicitated for their contributions. The cultural program included folk performances to raise awareness about the importance of plantation and environmental regeneration.
The mela supports rural livelihood diversification while advancing India’s forest restoration goals. By encouraging tree cultivation on agricultural and barren lands, it strengthens climate resilience, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity, aligning local action with national environmental commitments.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can states scale up tree growers’ fairs like this to integrate agroforestry into mainstream rural development programs?
Follow the full news here: Press Release – PIB
