Gunjon Rema from Kalmakanda Netrakona
With the initiative of the Patlaban village under Netrakona district and assistance from BARCIK about 335 saplings of trees (Krishchura, Kadbadam, Palash, Sonalu, Kanchan, Harataki, Mango, Jam, Jackfruit, Guava, Olive, Amalki) were planted on both sides of the road of the village.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Alhaj Farooq Ahmed was the chief guest in the tree planting ceremony. General Secretary of Upazila Press Club Fakhrul Alam Khosru and BARCIK officials were present during the tree plantation.
Local indigenous men and women were the collaborators in the implementation of the plantation program. However, while stating about the importance of tree planting, Fakhrul Alam Khosru said, ‘There is no alternative to trees in environmental protection, trees are a means of economic liberation as well. Alhaj Farooq Ahmed, an agronomist, said, “It is necessary to ensure proper use of fallow land without leaving it. The fallow lands could be used for planting trees or any crop. It is very important to plant fruit trees to meet the nutritional needs of the communities. We should not only planting trees but also apply organic manure to let the trees grow well every year. Besides, the newly planted trees should be watered during the dry season.’
It is to mention that Patlaban village is a sandy one. So it feels very hot during summer. As a result, these villagers have to live in hot weather. Greening of this sandy village has long been discussed at community level. A few houses in the village have now made their houses livable i.e. greened. But that amount is very less. Most of the places have no trees. As a result, the area like a desert.
It should be noted that the importance of tree plantation was discussed in the discussion of World Environment Day on June 5, 2022. At one point in the discussion, the villagers made a proposal for planting trees. The proposal eventually turns into a decision. In view of that, fruit and ornamental tree saplings are planted on both sides of the roads in thin villages to eliminate desertification and intensive afforestation.