Dateline Dehradun: He who plants a tree, plants hope. And in these troubled times of COVID-19, the gloom and doom of air about an uncertain future, vowing to plant trees is perhaps what the world needs.
April 22, 2020 marks Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. United States-based reforestation non-profit One Tree Planted has committed to helping plant five lakh fruit trees across India during the Great Indian monsoon.
“Everyone is hurting in different ways right now due to Covid-19, and we’re honoured to be able to help through the simple act of planting trees. These trees will support with cleaner air, water, food, and social impact for families. It’s a humble offering that can have a ripple effect of benefit for years to come,” says Matt Hill, Chief Environmental Evangelist at One Tree Planted.
These trees will be planted in the land of marginal and small farmers in India. For these families, fruit trees are a double bonanza as it means nourishment and supplementary income from the harvest.
At a time when migrant laborers are making their way home fast-fruiting trees, such as banana and papaya, could go a long way in keeping hunger at bay. While Moringa, papaya, and banana trees can produce food and fruit within 8-10 months of planting. Lemon, guava, apricot, pear, peach, and jujubes produce fruit in their third year and onward.
Beyond the nutritional and social benefits of reforestation with fruit trees, this project will support cleaner air and help reduce the effects of climate change.
Kathleen Rogers, President, Earth Day Network said, “Trees not only filter the air and fight climate change — they provide food, energy and income to communities. Planting trees improves our shared environment while supporting some of the communities most affected by coronavirus and climate change.”
Reforestation will begin as early as June, 2020, just in time for World Environment Day on June 5th. Plantation will begin in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Odisha with local community involvement.
