The seed balls are made of a mixture of native seeds of plants, soil, compost, cow droppings and natural fungicides such as turmeric. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The forest department is intended to introduce an innovative initiative of ecological renewal using “seed balls”, made of a mixture of native seeds of plants, soil, compost, cow manure and natural fungicides such as turmeric.
These ecological capsules (Vitthundas, in the local river), which are designed to germinate anywhere, offer cheap solutions to revive the degraded landscape. In addition to afforestation, efforts are aimed at alleviating the conflict of man-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaage to him-aaaaaaaaaa-grout enrich the natural food sources in forest areas, reducing motivation for animals to embark on human habitats.
Focus on the original species
The ambitious “Vitthoot” initiative, which will be carried out from 15 to 15 August, was integrated into the comprehensive project Mission Food, Fodder and Water, which aims to increase the habitat of wild animals by ensuring the availability of water and food in the forests. It focuses on local species such as bamboo and trees carrying fruits such as Syzygium cumini (Jamun), Rod Ficus and Jackfruits, which are vital sources of food for wildlife.
“Seed balls are usually used in distant and inaccessible areas, including deserts and regions affected by fires or invasive species,” the official said. “This method has never been implemented in Kerala, where we traditionally cultivate seedlings in afforestation.”
The effort to cooperate
The seeds program will focus on degraded forests, exposed hills, abandoned plantations, areas infested with weeds, zones affected by fire and landslides and basin. The ministry identified specific regions, each forest part was considered a unit for planting. For each identified location, which can range from 10 cents to 3 hectares, approximately 2,000 seed balls will be planted on the ACR. During the two -month project, at least five identified places will be covered every day.
The Vitthoot Inicitative will be carried out in cooperation with the Research Institute of Keral Forest Research Institute, which oversees training in the preparation for seeds. This initiative will also record a wide connection of the community with Kudumbashree, Harith Karma Sena Workers, Eco-Development Committee and Samlarshan bath Samithi, NCC and SPC cadets and local schools and universities playing active role in the preparation and distribution of seed balls.
Published – May 18, 2025 06:49
