Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, today inaugurated the Vriksh Utpadak Mela (Tree Growers’ Fair) organized by the ICFRE- Ecological Restoration Centre, Prayagraj, at the District Panchayat Auditorium, Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Singh said that tree productivity is not confined to farmland or income generation alone, but is a lifeline for both society and the environment. “Every tree planted contributes to clean air, water security and better health.
Increased greenery in villages also helps conserve biodiversity, including birds and other species,” he said. The Minister emphasized that if farmers and communities commit to planting trees on their fields, barren land and pastures, it will ensure prosperity for families, ecological balance in the region and security for future generations.
Highlighting the historical dependence of human civilization on forests, the Minister noted that unregulated exploitation, rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to unprecedented deforestation worldwide.
“Degradation of forests and land resources is now a major challenge,” he observed. He underscored the importance of agroforestry, non-timber forest products and sustainable land use practices in enhancing rural livelihoods and restoring ecological balance.
The fair featured technical sessions where experts delivered lectures on agroforestry species such as poplar, gamhar, moringa, bamboo, melia dubia, sandalwood, teak, eucalyptus and mahogany. Farmers’ queries were addressed, and practical knowledge on plantation, cultivation, processing and marketing of tree-based products was shared.
As part of the cultural programme, artists from Prayagraj staged the play “Jungle Hai to Mangal Hai”, along with folk Alha singing, magic shows and puppet performances, spreading the message of tree plantation and environmental conservation in an engaging manner. Progressive farmers from the region were also felicitated for their contribution to tree plantation and agroforestry practices.