Located along the banks of Pichola, the Kalka mata Nursery has witnessed the establishment of an agroforestry research center in partnership with the Forest Department and the Arid Forest Research Institute in Jodhpur. This collaborative initiative is aimed at harnessing modern technology for the automated production of 5,000 neem saplings. This state-of-the-art facility ensures that the neem saplings are cultivated without any risk of damage during the transplantation process. By the time the monsoon season arrives, these saplings will have grown to an impressive height of 3 feet. 

Kalka Mata Nursery has an impressive annual production capacity, capable of yielding approximately 200,000 plants per year. This capacity showcases the nursery's commitment to fostering and supplying a wide variety of plants to cater to the demands of the region.

In this innovative nursery, advanced technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring the successful cultivation of neem saplings. The automated processes employed here guarantee that the saplings are not susceptible to damage during transplantation, which is a crucial aspect of their survival and growth.

Pradeep Singh Chauhan, a nursery assistant forest guard, explained that they are cultivating plants in a polyhouse. Water is supplied to the plants through a sprinkler system, and to maintain the right temperature, they have installed large fans.

Despite the winter season, the temperature inside the polyhouse consistently hovers around 30 degrees Celsius. This stable environment serves as the ideal starting point for initiating the plant preparation process with germination, commencing in February. 

Agroforestry Center is Educating Rural People

The Agroforestry Center has taken the initiative to educate rural communities in the art of seed and plant preparation, employing innovative techniques. Till now they have conducted two to three training workshops. The primary objective of the center is to place a stronger emphasis on the cultivation of tree varieties indigenous to the region. This strategic focus is expected to yield not only higher production but also an increase in the income of rural communities.

Within the center's facilities, the preparation of plants includes a diverse range, encompassing Custard Apples, Indian Gooseberries, Mahua, Soapnuts, and various others.

Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Region

To propagate neem trees using cutting-edge automation not only demonstrates a commitment to environmental conservation but also offers promising prospects for sustainable agroforestry practices in the region. The collaboration between the Forest Department and the Arid Forest Research Institute signifies a significant step towards promoting the growth of neem trees, known for their myriad ecological and medicinal benefits.

Source: Dainik Bhaskar