In Kalaburagi district, the horticulture department has sold 55,650 saplings since the onset of the rainy season. The government has set affordable prices for various saplings, ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 160, covering plants such as mango, lemon, neem, and coconut. Residents are actively purchasing these saplings to enhance greenery around their homes.
Shankar Patwari, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture and in-charge of the nurseries, shared that the district houses 16 nurseries under the horticulture department. These nurseries produce and sell saplings to both the public and the forest department. Annually, around 4 lakh saplings are prepared, generating a revenue of Rs 20-25 lakh. Chandrampalli nursery, the largest in the district, spans 150 acres and alone prepares over a lakh saplings.
Saplings are available for purchase at various locations, including Aiwan E Shahi, Guest House, Badepur, and Kesaratagi. Aiwan E Shahi and the Guest House also offer decorative plants at higher prices. Patwari emphasized that the government aims to keep sapling prices low to promote affordability and encourage residents to contribute to increasing greenery. The nurseries continue to sell saplings until the end of December, with a significant portion being bought by the forest department.
This initiative not only supports environmental sustainability but also fosters community involvement in greening their surroundings. As the rainy season progresses, the demand for saplings is expected to remain high, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness among the residents of Kalaburagi.