A plantation programme for establishing an Indigenous Fruit Tree block comprising 20 different indigenous fruit tree species was organized
A plantation programme for establishing an Indigenous Fruit Tree block comprising 20 different indigenous fruit tree species was organized on 23 September 2026 (Wednesday) at the Department of Agroforestry, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Approximately 400 saplings were planted over an area of 1.0 acre with financial support from Flutter in collaboration with Nirmaan, Hyderabad.
The programme was graced by Dr. M. Balaram, Director of Research, PJTAU, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he stated that the orchard would serve as an excellent facility for conserving biodiversity, creating awareness among visiting students, providing educational opportunities for teachers, scientists and environmental enthusiasts, and facilitating research on indigenous fruit tree species under Agroforestry systems. He expressed his appreciation to Nirmaan and Flutter for their valuable support and financial contribution towards environmental conservation.
Dr. V. Ramulu, Director, C-NARE, who attended the programme as a guest, highlighted the importance of tree conservation with the message “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah” – “If we protect trees, they protect us.” He further explained that the planted trees would contribute to carbon sequestration and serve as carbon sinks, thereby supporting environmental sustainability.
Ms. Seema Padman, General Manager, Flutter, addressing the gathering that the PJTAU and Nirmaan for providing an opportunity to support this meaningful environmental initiative. She stated that Flutter is committed to contributing to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and community development through such initiatives. She expressed her happiness over the establishment of an indigenous fruit tree block with 20 different species and emphasized that the plantation would provide long-term ecological benefits and encouraged all participants to take responsibility for protecting and nurturing the planted trees and expressed her hope that the orchard would grow into a valuable green asset for the University and the wider community.
Ms. Anuradha Pulla, Vice President, Nirmaan, NGO appreciated the collaborative efforts of Flutter and PJTAU in taking up this environmental initiative and stated that Nirmaan would continue to facilitate and strengthen the partnership between Flutter and PJTAU for the present initiative as well as for future programmes and support towards environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development and expressed their gratitude to the University for providing the opportunity to support and participate in this important environmental initiative.
Dr. A. V. Ramanjaneyulu, Principal Scientist (Agro.) and Head, Department of Agroforestry, explained the objectives and significance of the plantation programme and expressed his gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who extended their support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the initiative. Dr. D. Vijaya Lakshmi, scientist (Soil Science) explained the proper procedure and methodology for planting the saplings.
Around 150 participants voluntarily took part in the plantation programme. The participants included approximately 100 employees from Flutter, representatives of Nirmaan including Tirupati, Surya, Nikhil and Ranjith, and officials and staff from the AICRP on Agroforestry, including Dr. M. Ramesh, Scientist and AEOs Rambabu and Bikshapathi, along with other staff and participants.
The establishment of this indigenous fruit tree orchard is expected to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, environmental education, carbon sequestration, and research and demonstration in Agroforestry, while also providing a valuable learning resource for students, researchers, scientists, tourists, farmers and other stakeholders.
