Statewide Palmyra Seed Planting Drive on Sept. 27

The “Panai Seed Planting Drive–2026” is being organised by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests in association with the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Volunteers Organisation and district administrations.

The drive will cover 37 districts, excluding the Nilgiris, with the participation of government departments, volunteers, NGOs, educational institutions, nature enthusiasts and the public. Participants are encouraged to plant at least 10 Palmyra seeds at suitable locations, including water bodies, lakes, ponds, tanks, streams, riverbanks, canal banks and coastal areas, subject to necessary permissions.

The palmyra palm is known for its drought resilience and its role in soil conservation, water-resource protection and biodiversity conservation. It also supports rural livelihoods through products such as palm jaggery, palm sugar, tender palm fruit (nungu), fruits, leaves and fibre.

As part of the initiative, every seed planted will be photographed and geo-referenced through the Udhavi App. The digital system will record the location and number of seeds planted and details of participating individuals and organisations, besides facilitating monitoring and maintenance.

The government said 2.44 crore Palmyra seeds planted across Tamil Nadu during the past two years had already been geo-referenced through the Udhavi App.

Volunteers, students, NGOs, educational institutions, government officials and members of the public can register individually or on behalf of organisations through the Udhavi App and participate in the drive. The initiative carries the vision, “One Seed – A Greener Future for a Generation.”