Planting right kind of trees

More emphasis should be given to planting trees having fruit-bearing and timber quality together

The world is facing environmental problems. An easy solution to these problems lies in planting more trees. Trees and plants are the prime source of environmental purification and beautification. Trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, reduce temperature and create a healthy effect, both physically and psychologically, on human beings. In fact, forests are the only natural industry which produces oxygen. According to international standards, area under forests should form at least 25 per cent of the total land inhabited by a human population. But the area covered by forests in this country has been reduced to less than eight per cent of the total land.

 In such circumstances we should plant more and more trees. Trees not only provide oxygen, but also beautify the environment. And planting fruit trees will   go a long way in ensuring food security for the future generations.

Urban farming in collaboration with local administration is an idea taking off in many Western cities where communal orchards are built, nurtured and harvested by locals for shared benefits. As public parks continue to rank low on government’s development agenda, environmental activists say these spaces can be revived by planting fruits trees with the help of area residents. Residents planting and nurturing fruit trees in public parks will have great benefits both for the community and the country as a whole.

Unfortunately in Bangladesh what does not receive due attention is the importance of choosing the right kind of trees that can contribute both to plant-biodiversity and harbour plant-dependent biota including animals. To help provide food and shelter to the existing animal species, polyculture of indigenous plant species should be the way. Mistakes have been committed in selection while planting saplings by the sides of highways and city roads (and also road islands). The authorities have made acacia (that rarely has a straight trunk) jungles by the sides of national highways, and eucalyptus (which contributes to dryness through transpiring water) saplings are still planted on both sides of roads.

There are many trees known for both timber and fruits, like blackberry, jackfruit, mango and palmyra palm. Blackberry is famous for its tall straight trunk. Jackfruit is our national fruit and the tree, though not very tall, has timber of very high quality. Some mango trees by the roadsides can provide fruits as well as shade. Palmyra palms are a source of fruits, sugar and hard wood, and a row of them along the sides of roads can also prevent vehicles from going off the road.

Planting right kind of trees

More emphasis should be given to planting trees having fruit-bearing and timber quality together

The world is facing environmental problems. An easy solution to these problems lies in planting more trees. Trees and plants are the prime source of environmental purification and beautification. Trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, reduce temperature and create a healthy effect, both physically and psychologically, on human beings. In fact, forests are the only natural industry which produces oxygen. According to international standards, area under forests should form at least 25 per cent of the total land inhabited by a human population. But the area covered by forests in this country has been reduced to less than eight per cent of the total land. In such circumstances we should plant more and more trees. Trees not only provide oxygen, but also beautify the environment. And planting fruit trees will go a long way in ensuring food security for the future generations. Urban farming in collaboration with local administration is an idea taking off in many Western cities where communal orchards are built, nurtured and harvested by locals for shared benefits. As public parks continue to rank low on governments development agenda, environmental activists say these spaces can be revived by planting fruits trees with the help of area residents. Residents planting and nurturing fruit trees in public parks will have great benefits both for the community and the country as a whole. Unfortunately in Bangladesh what does not receive due attention is the importance of choosing the right kind of trees that can contribute both to plant-biodiversity and harbour plant-dependent biota including animals. To help provide food and shelter to the existing animal species, polyculture of indigenous plant species should be the way. Mistakes have been committed in selection while planting saplings by the sides of highways and city roads (and also road islands). The authorities have made acacia (that rarely has a straight trunk) jungles by the sides of national highways, and eucalyptus (which contributes to dryness through transpiring water) saplings are still planted on both sides of roads. There are many trees known for both timber and fruits, like blackberry, jackfruit, mango and palmyra palm. Blackberry is famous for its tall straight trunk. Jackfruit is our national fruit and the tree, though not very tall, has timber of very high quality. Some mango trees by the roadsides can provide fruits as well as shade. Palmyra palms are a source of fruits, sugar and hard wood, and a row of them along the sides of roads can also prevent vehicles from going off the road.