By Ritu Robi Das, from Manikganj
On warm summer afternoons, ripe guavas and lemons hang from tree branches while village children happily pick and eat them. Local communities also enjoy the fresh fruits with great satisfaction. Behind this beautiful scene is a community initiative started four years ago.
Since 2021, through the Gender Project, around 700 indigenous fruit and medicinal plant saplings were distributed among communities in Char Beutha, Pauli, Andharmanik, Joynagar, Kandapauli, Beutha, Char Bengrui, Noyakandi, and Bandutia villages. Today, many of these trees are fully grown and producing fruit enjoyed by villagers and birds alike.
The main goal of the initiative was to promote native fruit trees and raise awareness about their nutritional value. Instead of ornamental or foreign species, local fruit and medicinal plants were selected because they survive better in homestead areas and provide long-term benefits.
At first, there was concern about whether villagers would properly care for the saplings. However, over the past four years, communities proved their commitment by protecting, watering, and nurturing the trees with great care. Today, the villages are greener and more vibrant, with amla, lemon, and almond trees growing beside homes and courtyards.
This initiative shows that trees do more than provide oxygen and fruit; they also create strong bonds between people and communities. Although projects may officially end, these 700 trees will continue to provide shade, nutrition, and memories for many years.
The emotional connection created through this work is especially meaningful. During field visits, villagers often offer guavas or lemons from the very trees they received, proudly saying, “These are fruits from the tree you gave us and please taste how sweet they are.” Such moments reflect the deep trust, gratitude, and human connection built through the initiative.
