CHATI

CHATI's tree planting programme is to be continuous. Trees for shade, fruit and edible leaves, medicine, soil improvement, bio-diversity, evaporation-reduction, timber and beauty.

We aim to have a 'social forest' area for the benefit of people living nearby who wish to take part.

A small tree nursery has been established, and planting out saplings is done when conditions are suitable. So far species include coconut, mango, banana, neem, guava, teak and others.

ABOVE: Tree seedlings being planted in plastic bags, and sheltering in the shade of our first building, CHATI ILLAM.

ABOVE LEFT: Mr Arokiam, our regular worker, watering a coconut palm.
ABOVE RIGHT: Local farmer Ponnusamy planting a coconut palm at the opening of CHATI ILLAM.

ABOVE: Arokiam and Mary making holes for young banana plants.