Seed balls are a very simple, economical and highly effective means of greening the environment and reforestation. In this, the seeds are protected in the form of small tablets with a mixture of soil and organic fertilizer, due to which they can grow even in inaccessible places without much effort. Seed ball- is a small and dry ball of seed, soil (mainly clay soil) and organic manure (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 there is sufficient moisture in the soil. Scatter these on the soil while traveling or walking in empty places. As soon as they come in contact with water, they start growing as plants.
The rainy season is considered the most suitable time for tree plantation and expansion of forests. For this purpose, the Seed Ball campaign is being run by the Forest Department. This campaign is an effective effort to increase greenery through public participation in areas where planting is difficult.
Seed ball is a small spherical ball prepared from soil, cow dung or organic manure and seeds of various trees. It is thrown in forests, hills, vacant lands and inaccessible areas. When rain water is received, the seeds germinate and take the form of plants.
Under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the instructions of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Chhattisgarh Forest Department is also running the Seed Ball program on a large scale along with campaigns like Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Van Mahotsav and Yuva for Nature. With the active participation of schools, colleges, voluntary organizations, women self-help groups and local villagers, thousands of seed balls are being prepared and planted in forests and vacant lands.
Seeds of local species including Mahua, Tamarind, Harra, Bahera, Jamun, Karanj, Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Mango, Jamun, Shaal, Bija, Char, Khamar are used in the seed ball. This expands natural forests, provides food and shelter to wildlife and also ensures conservation of biodiversity.
Seed Ball campaign not only helps in increasing green cover but also helps in water conservation, reduction in soil erosion or erosion, carbon absorption and reducing the ill effects of climate change. This is an effective way to make more area green at low cost.
The objective of the Forest Department is not only to plant trees but also to develop awareness about environmental protection in the society. When children, youth, women and villagers join this campaign, every person becomes a partner in nature conservation.
If every citizen prepares some seed balls in the rainy season and plants them at suitable places or participates in tree plantation, then the green area of Chhattisgarh will become more prosperous in the coming years. Seed Ball campaign is a simple, accessible and effective medium to fulfill our responsibility towards nature.
