As the State gears up for yet another afforestation drive, the Forest Department continued its search for an eco-friendly alternative to polyethylene plastic grow bags that are widely used for nurturing the seedlings.

The government has come in for much praise for its mass afforestation initiative, but the pollution caused by the generation of a large number of plastic bags threatens to defeat the purpose of the greening drive.

While the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had directed nurseries to discontinue the practice of using polythene bags the last year, a viable replacement was yet to be identified.

Over the last year, the Forest Department has been considering alternatives by field-testing samples which are manufactured by various agencies across the country.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) E. Pradeep Kumar said many products including those made of coir pith had been tested.

He said that the ideal alternative for plastic grow bags should be durable to a similar extent. “While pressing for biodegradable options, it is necessary to ensure that they did not disintegrate faster than expected. Besides, the seedling and the potting medium must remain intact during distribution and transfer,” he said.

Root trainers

Another proposal that is under consideration is large-sized root trainers which could be reused for several years and carry 20 or more seedlings together.

Currently, the department has been using the smaller types of these tray-like containers, having 150cc volume, in its central nurseries in Kulathupuzha and Chalakudy. These can be used to nurture seedlings that are up to 90-days old.