As part of the Horticulture Week 2026 observance from August 17 to 25, the Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture (DFPIH) and the Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal, organised a Plant Sapling Distribution and Plantation Ceremony today at the Auditorium of Vigyan Chetana Bhavan, Salt Lake, Kolkata.
The programme was held in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Kalyan Chakraborti, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge (HMIC), Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture; Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology; and Department of Information Technology & Electronics, Government of West Bengal.
The programme was also graced by Shri Amiya Kisku, Hon’ble Minister-of-State, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture and Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal.
Senior officials present at the programme included Smt. Nandini Chakraborty, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, and Smt. Smaraki Mahapatra, IAS, Secretary, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture.
A special feature of the programme was the enthusiastic participation of school and college students. Students from Bidhannagar Government High School, Begum Rokeya Smriti Balika. Vidyalaya and Bidhannagar Government College participated in the plantation and sapling distribution activities, highlighting the importance of involving the younger generation in environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering, HMIC Prof. (Dr.) Kalyan Chakraborti emphasised that tree plantation should not end with merely planting a sapling. He said, “It is not enough to plant a tree; we must also nurture and take care of it.”
He stressed that planting a sapling is only the beginning and that sustained care and nurturing are essential for ensuring that it grows into a healthy tree.
Referring to the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s “Ekti Gaach Mayer Naame” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) initiative, the Minister highlighted the importance of developing a lasting emotional connection between people and trees. The initiative itself was launched as a year-long plantation drives with an emphasis on expanding green cover and encouraging environmental responsibility.
HMIC Prof. (Dr.) Chakraborti said, “We want the world of the future to be more beautiful, greener and healthier, and I hope that our students will carry this tradition forward-not only by planting trees, but also by nurturing and protecting them.”
He urged the participating students to become ambassadors of this message and to inspire their families, friends and communities to participate not only in tree plantation but also in the continued care and protection of planted trees.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of integrating science, technology and biotechnology with horticultural development. He highlighted the need for innovative and sustainable approaches to improve productivity, strengthen value chains, promote efficient utilisation of natural resources and enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders associated with the horticulture sector.
The programme underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination and public participation in promoting horticulture, environmental sustainability and technology-enabled agricultural development in West Bengal.
The participation of students from educational institutions further highlighted the role of the younger generation in building environmental consciousness and carrying forward a culture of plantation and conservation.
The observance of Horticulture Week 2026, from August 17 to 25, reaffirms the commitment towards environmental conservation, expansion of green cover, promotion of sustainable horticultural practices and the adoption of modern science and technology for the development of the horticulture sector.
The programme concluded with an appeal to citizens, particularly students and young people, to make tree plantation, nurturing and protection of trees a sustained social practice, contributing towards a greener, healthier and more beautiful West Bengal and a better future for generations to come.
