The Forest Department has initiated an ambitious afforestation campaign for 2025–26, targeting the planting of 3.8 lakh saplings across Mysuru. Early monsoon showers have accelerated the effort.
Of the total, 2.5 lakh saplings have already been distributed to farmers and organisations, while 1.3 lakh are earmarked for roadside planting to enhance green cover. The nurseries cultivated diverse species, including native trees such as neem, peepal, banyan, and fruit-bearing varieties like mango, jamun, jackfruit, teak, sandalwood, and red sanders.
Saplings are available at nurseries in Nagawala, Kukkarahalli, Neelasoge, Basaveshwara in Nanjangud, and Beechanahalli in Kabini. Prices range from ₹3 to ₹75 per plant. Under the Aranya Krishi Protsaha scheme, farmers can register to receive saplings free of charge by submitting Aadhaar, RTC, land records, and bank details.
To encourage survival, the department offers an incentive of ₹35 per sapling surviving the first year, ₹40 in the second year, and ₹50 in the third, totaling ₹125 per healthy plant after field verification. Registration to participate in the scheme remains open until the end of October.
Farmer K Marigowda from Kaimaballi praised the scheme but urged authorities to disburse incentives promptly. Deputy Conservator of Forests KN Basavaraju confirmed strong interest from farmers and the public, adding that sapling distribution is underway across all six nurseries.