The first edition of the ‘Connect to Earth’ plantation drive was launched on Monday in Namchi district, aiming to convert fallow and barren land into productive agricultural areas.

The initiative, organised by the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, is part of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s vision to promote sustainable land use and maintain ecological balance in Sikkim.

During the drive, guava, pomelo, jackfruit, custard apple, and banana saplings were planted over a 0.6-hectare area at Turung Agriculture Farm. The planting material, sourced from the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, was chosen for its quality and long-term productivity potential.

District Collector Anupa Tamling, Additional District Collector (HQ) Subash Ghimiray, along with officials from the DAC and other departments, participated in the programme, reflecting a joint effort towards environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.