Gujarat to produce 10 lakh saplings annually through hi-tech nursery

The Gujarat government is set to establish its first hi-tech nursery in Davas village of Deesa taluka in Banaskantha district to boost afforestation efforts and conserve rare plant species.According to information,the project will come up on around 13 acres and is estimated to cost ₹3.5 crore. It will be implemented under the supervision of the Gujarat Forest Department and the Social Forestry Department, under the guidance of the state’s Forest and Environment Minister Pravin Mali.Officials said the nursery will serve as a model initiative for environmental conservation and scientific afforestation in Gujarat.
The main objective of the project is to produce high-quality, disease-free and robust saplings using advanced technologies, controlled environments and scientific cultivation methods. The initiative is expected to support large-scale tree plantation drives and strengthen environmental protection efforts across the state.Once operational, the nursery will produce more than 10 lakh saplings every year. The facility will include modern infrastructure such as mist chambers, germination chambers, polyhouses and net houses to ensure optimal plant growth even under adverse weather conditions.Special techniques such as soil-less media cultivation — which allows plants to grow without soil — will also be used to help conserve plant species that are nearing extinction while enabling faster and healthier growth.The nursery will also house a seed bank and a seed processing unit to enable scientific preservation and storage of rare and valuable seeds for long-term use.
In addition, a Nursery Information Centre will be set up to provide guidance to students, farmers and environmental enthusiasts on plant cultivation, afforestation and environmental conservation practices.A vermicomposting unit will also be developed at the facility to produce organic fertiliser, helping ensure healthier plant growth and promoting sustainable nursery management.

(State Correspondent)