Forest Department Launches Tree Banking Scheme to Promote Afforestation and Achieve Carbon Neutrality

News Desk

17 July 2025 12:15 PM

The Forest Department has introduced the Tree Banking Scheme to encourage tree plantation not only in forest areas but also on private land. The initiative helps to expand green cover, support the environment, and reduce carbon emissions.

Under this scheme, farmers will receive financial assistance for planting and maintaining trees. The benefits include annual financial support, incentives, and income from carbon credits. This is to promote sustainable tree planting on privately owned or leased land. In the first phase, the focus will be on planting sandalwood saplings, which are known for their high commercial value. The scheme also helps increase the availability of timber in the local market.

Farmers who own land or have leased land for at least 15 years are eligible to join the scheme. Financial support for growing trees will begin from the third year of plantation and will continue for up to 15 years, provided the trees are maintained properly. After this period, farmers can harvest and use or sell the trees with permission from the Social Forestry Division.

The scheme is implemented by the Social Forestry Division of the Forest Department and includes planting of native species such as teak, rosewood, jackfruit, wild jackfruit, thambakam, karimaruth, kumbil, venthek, mahogany, and more. By promoting agroforestry on private land, the Tree Banking Scheme supports biodiversity, improves climate resilience, and contributes to the state’s larger goal of achieving carbon neutrality.