Banas Dairy farmers pledge to plant 15 lakh trees

PALANPUR: Around three lakh farmers associated with the Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producer's Union Ltd, (BDCMMF), popularly known as Banas Dairy, have pledged to plant 15 lakh trees across the district.
The dairy on Tuesday embarked upon a massive tree plantation drive that saw villagers, students, farmers and forest officials. As many as 1,000 trees were planted in a single day.The farmers also pledged to nourish the trees like their own children.
The event was organized jointly by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and Banas Dairy.
"Environment degradation is already having its effect on the climate as it is evident in the delay in monsoon fortnight ago. We have about three lakh members associated with the dairy and if each one plants just five trees, we can have 15 lakh trees that will increase the green cover and save environment," Banas Dairy chairman Parthi Bhatol said.
Managing director Sanjay Karamchandani pointed out how, despite being located in an arid region, the dairy has managed to maintain a healthy green cover.
"Tree plantation will have a positive effect in various ways. It not only helps ensure more oxygen but also prevents soil," said deputy conservator forest (social forestry) JS Chaudhary