Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Ek Ped Maa 2.0 campaign successfully planted over 23 lakh fruit saplings across Odisha in a massive one-day drive. The Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Department led the initiative, mobilizing villagers, students, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and departmental officials to strengthen green cover and environmental awareness throughout the state.
The department organized a state-level plantation event at the Deras Agricultural Farm in Bhubaneswar. Officials and trainees planted 1,500 high-quality fruit saplings, including jamun, litchi, nadiya, and sapuri. This initiative encouraged citizens to plant trees in memory of mothers and contribute to Odisha’s greenery.
Agriculture Secretary Dr. Arbind Kumar Padhi inaugurated the event at 9:30 a.m. He highlighted the importance of active community participation, stating, “This plantation drive honors mothers and ensures ecological sustainability.”
The department distributed saplings free of cost to schools, colleges, NGOs, FPOs, and local communities. Volunteers learned how to water, protect, and maintain the saplings, ensuring healthy growth over the coming years. Women’s SHGs and youth groups monitored the saplings daily, guaranteeing long-term survival and environmental benefits.
The team selected sapling species that suited local soil and climate conditions. They planted along school campuses, farm boundaries, and public areas to maximize social and ecological impact, providing shade, fodder, and fruit for communities.
The department uploaded all sapling data and photographs to the MeriLiFE Portal, enabling continuous tracking, monitoring, and accountability. They coordinated the drive with development programs like MGNREGA to provide livelihood support while maintaining saplings.
Officials, trainees, and volunteers participated enthusiastically, turning the campaign into a mass movement. The Ek Ped Maa 2.0 drive demonstrated how community-driven plantation projects achieve remarkable results when citizens unite for a common cause.
This initiative increased Odisha’s green cover while fostering ecological awareness and responsibility. Citizens left the drive inspired to participate in future campaigns. Through Ek Ped Maa 2.0, Odisha moves closer to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Also Read : Ek Ped Maa 2.0 Plants 35 Lakh Saplings Across Odisha
