Project Ankur
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when quarantine restrictions kept everyone at home, Nisargraja Mitra Jiwanche initiated the Ankur project. This innovative idea aimed to involve people in green activities while ensuring their safety.
Project Overview
The Ankur project distributed free kits containing various types of seeds, potmix, a bamboo basket, and an informative brochure detailing seed germination techniques. The goal was to encourage people to grow plants at home, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Ankur Kit Highlights
Free of Cost: The Ankur kits were provided free of charge to all registered participants.
Comprehensive Contents: Each kit included a variety of seeds, potmix, a bamboo basket, a cotton bag, and a detailed brochure on seed germination techniques.
High Capacity: Each kit could grow around 50 saplings, leading to a substantial number of plants being nurtured in the community.
Project Highlights
Massive Participation: Within 15 days of launching the project, we received over 1,000 registrations from enthusiastic participants.
Efficient Delivery: Despite the COVID restrictions, we managed to deliver these kits to the doorsteps of all registered participants.
High Yield: Each kit had the capacity to grow around 50 saplings, resulting in a potential 50,000 saplings from 1,000 kits.
Active Involvement: Participants were encouraged to plant the saplings in available spaces and care for them. Those who lacked space could return the saplings to our Nisargraja nursery.
Achievements
In the first year, the project saw remarkable success, with over 6,000 saplings returned and many more planted at participants’ homes. This project created a unique learning experience for families, allowing children, parents, and grandparents to observe the journey from seed to plant and understand the efforts required to nurture them.
Continued Success
The Ankur project continued for three years, with 1,000 kits distributed annually, resulting in the creation of over 100,000 saplings. In 2023, we improved the kits by replacing plastic seedling trays with bamboo baskets and using cotton bags instead of plastic for coco peat, enhancing the eco-friendliness of the project.
TomTom India Pvt Ltd Sponsorship
TomTom’s Support
After witnessing the massive success of the Ankur project, TomTom India Pvt Ltd generously sponsored us in 2023. Their support has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the project, allowing us to distribute even more kits and promote environmental stewardship on a larger scale.
Enhanced Kits
With TomTom’s sponsorship, we have been able to further improve the Ankur kits, ensuring they are more eco-friendly and effective. The enhanced kits now include:
Bamboo Baskets: Replacing plastic seedling trays.
Cotton Bags: Instead of plastic bags for coco peat.
Impact
TomTom’s support has helped us create a greener and healthier environment by enabling the distribution of 1,000 Ankur kits annually, resulting in over 100,000 saplings being nurtured and planted.
Thank You, TomTom!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TomTom India Pvt Ltd for their continued support and belief in our mission. Their sponsorship has been crucial in helping us make a significant impact on the environment and the community.
Join Us
The Ankur project has been a significant step in promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement. We invite you to join us in this green initiative and help us create a greener, healthier environment for future generations.