Thanjai ryots to sow 5 crore palm seeds as part of awareness drive

The farmers’ associations led by the Palmyrah tree plantation drive Coordinator, Thangaraj, organised the mega drive of sowing the palm seeds and presidents from as many as 13 panchayats, including Valamarkottai, Thirubuvanam, Ragavambalpuram and Poondi, along with the officials from the horticulture Department initiated the drive.

Thangaraj said that the awareness about the greatness of the palmyra trees faded away from people’s mind and farmers have decided to bring it back, especially in the rural areas. The palmyra tree is the official tree of Tamil Nadu and it has several health benefits, which has long been forgotten owing to change in lifestyle. The farmers, who would continue to carry forward the sowing of the seeds, would create awareness among the people about the health benefits of palm-related products. He said, once the use of palm products increases, people would gradually turn to plant such trees.

He added that the decision was taken two years back and then on, they have been collecting the palm seeds from various places. “As a part of five crore palm seed sowing drive, we would initially sow 20 lakh seeds in Thanjavur district alone from Saturday, we have sown 700 seeds to mark the commencement of the drive,” Thangaraj said.

Thanjavur district Collector M Govinda Rao inaugurated the drive.