Maintenance of Horticulture & agro forestry plants
Tree Growth and Survival
It has been truly rewarding to observe the healthy growth of trees planted over the past years. Despite receiving only 40% of the normal monsoon rainfall, our plantations recorded an impressive 95% survival rate. This success was made possible through consistent efforts by the Chinthana Foundation, utilizing drip and hose pipe irrigation methods to sustain plant life during the drought conditions.
To ensure 100% coverage, 5% of the saplings were replanted, bringing the total number of trees across the five schools to 1,525. Encouragingly, several trees have started bearing fruits such as cherries, gooseberries, guavas, drumsticks, curry leaves, chikkus, and lemons. In total, over 25 species of trees are now flourishing, benefiting not only the ecosystem but also the students and the local bird population.
School and Community Participation
The active involvement of headmasters, teachers, and students played a vital role in the success of this project. Their dedication ensured continuous care and protection of the trees.
During the same period, we also welcomed students from higher education institutions for practical training:
15 final-year Bachelor of Social Work students visited twice weekly.
25 first-year Master of Social Work students completed a 21-day placement.
5 second-year Engineering students joined for experiential learning.
These students gained firsthand exposure to community development and environmental conservation through activities like tree identification, hoeing, weeding, planting, watering, and manuring. Their interaction with school children enriched the learning experience for both groups, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.
Key Field Activities Undertaken
Replanting of trees to replace casualties
Application of tank silt via tractors to enhance soil fertility
Hoeing and mulching around tree bases
Weeding to prevent invasive plant growth
Pruning of maturing trees
Regular watering through drip and hose irrigation
Extraction and application of compost manure from existing pits
Establishment of kitchen gardens in 3 schools: Bhuthanahalli, Garagadahalli, and Bankankatte
Continuous motivation programs for teachers, students, and SDMC members
School-wise Plantation Details
School Name | No. of Plants | Protection Measures | Water Facility | Tree Species Planted (25+) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Garagadahalli | 410 | Compound wall and barbed-wire stone fencing | Available on premises via GP water supply system | Cherry, Coconut, Guava, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Wild Cardamom, Teak, Castrol, Curry Leaves, Jamun, Drumstick, Lemon, Bela, Arecanut, Neem, Goni, Mahogany, Bull Feet, Rosewood, Chikku, Sugar Fruit, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia, Mango |
Arabala Gollarahatty | 260 | Compound wall | Available on premises via GP water supply system | Cherry, Coconut, Guava, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Wild Cardamom, Teak, Castrol, Curry Leaves, Jamun, Drumstick, Lemon, Bela, Arecanut, Neem, Goni, Mahogany, Bull Feet, Rosewood, Chikku, Sugar Fruit, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia, Mango |
Muguli | 300 | Compound wall and barbed-wire stone fencing | Available on premises via GP water supply system | Cherry, Coconut, Guava, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Wild Cardamom, Teak, Castrol, Curry Leaves, Jamun, Drumstick, Lemon, Bela, Arecanut, Neem, Goni, Mahogany, Bull Feet, Rosewood, Chikku, Sugar Fruit, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia, Mango |
Bhuthanahalli | 180 | Compound wall and barbed-wire stone fencing | Available on premises via GP water supply system | Cherry, Coconut, Guava, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Wild Cardamom, Teak, Castrol, Curry Leaves, Jamun, Drumstick, Lemon, Bela, Arecanut, Neem, Goni, Mahogany, Bull Feet, Rosewood, Chikku, Sugar Fruit, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia, Mango |
Bankanakatte | 375 | Compound wall | Available on premises via GP water supply system | Cherry, Coconut, Guava, Gooseberry, Jackfruit, Wild Cardamom, Teak, Castrol, Curry Leaves, Jamun, Drumstick, Lemon, Bela, Arecanut, Neem, Goni, Mahogany, Bull Feet, Rosewood, Chikku, Sugar Fruit, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Pongamia, Mango |
Total | 1525 |
Infrastructure and Irrigation Support
With the support of local Gram Panchayats, compound walls were constructed at Garagadahalli and Muguli, ensuring all five schools now have secure boundaries. Three schools—Garagadahalli, Muguli, and Bhuthanahalli—have barbed wire stone fencing on one side and compound walls on the other three. All schools are equipped with micro drip and hose irrigation systems.
Water supply is ensured through GP pipe connections and mini storage tanks. Notably, Garagadahalli School has a 15’x20’x5′ farm pond. Despite low rainfall this year, plant survival reached 100% due to proactive water management.
Mulching and Manuring
To enrich soil nutrition, mulching and manuring activities were conducted across all five schools. Dried leaves and cow dung collected from nearby farms were applied around the tree roots. Each school also extracted and used approximately 100 kg of compost from onsite pits. Students played an active role in these eco-friendly practices.
Tank Silt Application
We transported and applied 10 tractor loads of nutrient-rich red and black silt from local tanks. This initiative significantly improved the soil’s fertility and supported healthier plant growth.
Compost Pit Development
Each school has now developed its own 5’x4’x5′ compost pit. These pits were filled with dried biomass and weeds to produce organic compost, which was applied to plants. This ongoing process will continue to supply high-quality natural fertilizer for the school plantations.
Sharing Success on an International Platform
Mr. G. Channappa was invited to attend the prestigious ECHO Asia Agriculture and Community Development Conference in Thailand (October 17–22, 2023). Representing Chinthana Foundation, he shared the success story of the Government School Tree Plantation Project, funded by PPI-USA, with graduates of the Asian Rural Institute (ARI). The presentation received an overwhelmingly positive response from global participants.
Scanty Rainfall and Resilience
This year, Karnataka experienced a severe shortfall in monsoon rains, receiving just 40% of the average. As a result, monsoon crops failed, impacting farmer livelihoods.
Despite this, Chinthana Foundation ensured that all trees were regularly watered using stored tank water, securing the survival and health of the plantations.
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