GCCI Urges Goa to Prioritise Native Fruit Trees in 10-Lakh Plantation Drive

The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged the state government to prioritise native fruit-bearing species in its planned drive to plant 10 lakh trees , saying the focus should be on creating a sustainable and productive green cover rather than merely achieving plantation targets.

The appeal comes after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced a 90-day plantation campaign from June 5 under the 'Green Goa, Clean Goa' initiative, linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' programme.

In a letter to the chief minister, GCCI recommended that indigenous species such as mango, jackfruit, kokum, jamun and tamarind be preferred over ornamental or invasive varieties wherever possible. GCCI President Pratima Dhond said Goa's identity is closely tied to its greenery and traditional landscapes, and purposeful plantation today would create a productive canopy for future generations.

The chamber said native fruit-bearing trees can help preserve Goa's ecological heritage, promote biodiversity, reduce temperatures, strengthen climate resilience and generate livelihood opportunities through fruit harvesting and value addition.

GCCI also stressed the need to integrate plantation planning with road and infrastructure development, noting that many trees planted along roads in the past were later lost to widening and utility projects. It called for designated plantation zones and a monitoring mechanism to track tree survival, maintenance standards and accountability.

Highlighting that Goa's tourism appeal is closely linked to its natural landscapes, GCCI said preserving green cover would benefit not only the environment but also tourism, agriculture and rural livelihoods. The industry body has offered technical support through its agriculture committee to help develop a sustainable plantation strategy for the state.