Andhra Pradesh Launches First Drone-Based Seed Ball Mission to Restore Forests

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh , the Forest Department has begun using drone technology to disperse seed balls across the dense forests of Chintoor , marking a major step in the state's efforts to restore degraded forest landscapes and improve green cover. The programme is being implemented under the directions of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan , who also holds the Forests and Environment portfolio.

The drone-assisted afforestation drive is designed to regenerate forest areas that are difficult or impossible for field staff to access on foot. By deploying unmanned aerial vehicles over remote and rugged terrain, the department aims to accelerate natural forest regeneration while reducing the time and manpower required for conventional plantation methods.

The initiative stems from the statewide seed ball campaign launched by Pawan Kalyan on World Environment Day (June 5) at Mulapadu in NTR district . The government had originally tasked the Forest Department with preparing 2.5 crore seed balls , but the campaign surpassed expectations, producing a record 3.8 crore seed balls with active participation from volunteers, local communities and various organisations. Nearly 90 lakh seed balls have already been dispersed manually across forest areas in different parts of the state.

In the Chintoor Forest Range , officials prepared 5 lakh seed balls , of which 2.71 lakh were distributed through manual efforts. The remaining seed balls are now being dropped by drones over 440.50 hectares of degraded forest land , beginning with the Lakkavaram Reserve Forest . The operation will be expanded to forest blocks in Kamsuluru, Marriguda, Devarapalli, Repaka, Vali Sugriva and Bhadrachalam , depending on rainfall and favourable ground conditions.

The seed balls contain a mix of native tree species , including Neem, Tamarind, Jamun, Noni, Nallamaddi, Amla, Rela and Thani , which are well suited to the region's ecological conditions. Forest officials said the use of indigenous species is expected to improve survival rates, strengthen biodiversity and support long-term ecosystem restoration.

A seed ball is a compact mixture of clay, soil, organic material and seeds that protects the seed until favourable weather conditions trigger germination. The technique has gained popularity worldwide as a cost-effective means of restoring degraded landscapes, particularly in areas where large-scale plantation activities are difficult to undertake.

Officials said the drone-based programme aligns with the state government's broader vision of increasing green cover , conserving biodiversity , and building forests that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change . By combining community participation with modern technology, Andhra Pradesh hopes to make afforestation efforts faster, more efficient and environmentally sustainable.