The heat is back after a few showers, but the good news is that planting trees is more affordable than ever in Margao. So, even though World Environment Day is over, let's make a commitment to make our surroundings greener, community healthier and Goa cooler.
Did you know that you can now pick up any indigenous sapling for just Rs 20? You read that right. Every plant sapling is sold for just Rs 20. Imagine the type of impact citizens could create if everyone pledged to plant even a few saplings.
The plant nursery at the South Goa Forest Division in Aquem, Margao, sells a variety of plant saplings. From mango to jackfruit to noni fruit to avocado to jamun saplings, all this and more can be found under one roof and for just Rs 20 each. These saplings are transplanted at the venue.
An official at the nursery said, “Over the years, many people have become more aware of the different types of plants we sell here."
The plant nursery at the South Goa Forest Division in Aquem, Margao, sells a variety of plant saplings for Rs 20 each.
He adds, "Some people buy these plants to grow in their gardens, while the saplings which will grow into big trees, like gulmohar, neem, teak and badam etc, are usually planted in open spaces.”
Besides selling saplings, the department also organises free plantation drives throughout the year for institutions, NGOs and educational organisations.
Over the years, many people have become more aware of the different types of plants we sell here. Some people buy these plants to grow in their gardens, while the saplings which will grow into big trees, like gulmohar, neem, teak and badam etc, are usually planted in open spaces.Official, South Goa Forest Division, Aquem, Margao
The majority of plant sales take place at the start of the monsoon season, and by July, most of the plants are purchased by locals or distributed, informed another official.
The nursery features two distinct spaces. One area is dedicated to saplings of trees with large trunks, suitable for expansive planting, and the other showcases a variety of ornamental saplings like bougainvillea, tulsi, roses, each of which costs Rs 20.
GIFTING OPTION
While there are many gifting options to choose from these days, have you ever thought about giving a plant, instead? With platforms like Pinterest and Instagram promoting creative and eco-friendly planting ideas, gifting a plant has become a thoughtful and trendy choice.
Socorro Dias, from Margao, has been using various ideas to make takeaway gifts for his daughter's birthday interesting.
“For my little daughter's birthday, we want something unique to give our friends as a takeaway present. And, instead of giving pencil kits and candies, we decided to give plants,” says Socorro, who believes that kids need to be exposed to nature at a young age.
So, whether it's a gift or for personal use, planting a sapling is a simple way to support the environment well beyond World Environment Day.
DETAILS
WHAT: Sale of plants
LOCATION: South Goa Forest Division, Aquem, Margao
TIMINGS: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm