Gandhinagar: The state’s first hi-tech nursery is set to come up over 13 acres of land in Davas, Banaskantha. More than 10 lakh saplings will be grown at the Rs 3.5 crore nursery every year, including some rare plants. The govt said in a statement on Friday that social forestry will get a new direction through a seed bank and processing unit to be set up alongside.The project, supervised by the Gujarat forest department and the social forestry department, aims to strengthen afforestation efforts and preserve rare plant species across the state. Officials said the nursery will serve as an exemplary model for environmental conservation in the state. “The main objective is to produce high-quality, disease-free and robust plants using advanced technology, controlled environments, and scientific methods. This initiative will support large-scale afforestation and enhance the state’s environmental protection efforts,” the statement said.Advanced facilities at the nursery, which include a mist chamber, germination chamber, polyhouse, and net house, will ensure optimal growth even under adverse weather conditions. Special techniques such as soil-less media (growing plants without soil) cultivation will be used to conserve plant species that are nearing extinction, promoting faster and healthier growth, the govt said. A seed bank and seed processing unit will be part of the facility, allowing rare and valuable seeds to be stored scientifically for long-term preservation. In addition, a nursery information centre will provide guidance to students, farmers and environmental enthusiasts on plant cultivation, afforestation, and natural conservation. The project will also include a vermicomposting unit to produce organic fertiliser for healthy plant growth. Methods to develop tall, strong saplings will be implemented to support large-scale tree-planting programmes across the state. Officials highlighted that the nursery would not only increase Gujarat’s green cover but also maintain environmental balance and contribute significantly to the conservation of endangered plant species.
