Rajasthan's 'Nature Warrior' Sunda Ram Verma Shows India How to Grow Trees Using Just 1 Litre of Water
Sikar, Rajasthan | June 5 – In the heart of Rajasthan’s arid Shekhawati region, a quiet green revolution has been unfolding for over two decades. Padma Shri Sunda Ram Verma, often referred to as Rajasthan’s “Nature Warrior”, has accomplished what many believed to be impossible—growing over 1 lakh trees using a technique that requires just 1 litre of water per tree.
His remarkable story, recently shared by the popular social media handle Modi Story on X (formerly Twitter), has once again drawn national attention for its sheer innovation and environmental impact.
A Revolutionary Concept: 1 Litre Water for a Tree's Lifetime
The technique developed by Sunda Ram Verma, known as dryland agroforestry, flips traditional irrigation methods on their head. Instead of regular watering, his model uses:
- Just 1 litre of water per tree at planting
- Zero irrigation after plantation
- Focus on native species with deep roots
This approach is not only water-efficient but also ideal for India’s dry zones, where water is a precious resource.
“I studied and researched a lot on growing trees with just 1 litre of water,” said Verma in a video shared by Modi Story. “When the results began to show, Gujarat newspapers reported on it. Then I got a call from the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi. He asked if this technique could be used in Gujarat too.”
Recognition from PM Modi & A Call That Changed Everything
Around 20 years ago, then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Verma to explore the potential application of his model in Gujarat’s dry regions. That inquiry brought the technique into the national spotlight.
Since then, Verma’s efforts have only intensified. From planting 50,000 trees over 25 years, he has now planted another 50,000 in just the last two years, following his Padma Shri award in 2021.
Padma Shri 2021: Honouring a Grassroots Innovator
In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the environment and sustainability, the Government of India awarded Sunda Ram Verma the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2021.
The award acknowledged his decades-long dedication to greenifying barren landscapes using sustainable, low-cost, and replicable methods.
Impact on Rajasthan’s Shekhawati Region
Once considered one of the driest parts of Rajasthan, the Shekhawati region of Sikar is now home to thriving groves of native trees, many planted using Verma’s method.
Key achievements:
- Over 100,000 trees planted
- Revived soil fertility
- Inspired local farmers to replicate his method
- No drip irrigation or advanced technology used—just indigenous wisdom and persistent effort
An Inspiration for Viksit Bharat
Sharing his journey, Modi Story posted,
“This is not just the tale of one man’s devotion—it is a reflection of Viksit Bharat, where even a small impact, ignited by the leadership of PM Modi, can yield unimaginable results.”
Verma’s journey is a symbol of grassroots innovation, deeply aligned with India’s climate goals and sustainability roadmap.
What Lies Ahead?
Today, Sunda Ram Verma continues his mission to turn 'drylands into farmlands', conducting workshops, sharing his model with universities, and collaborating with policymakers for larger implementation.
Environmentalists and agricultural experts are now advocating for mainstream adoption of Verma’s low-water plantation technique, especially in drought-prone regions of India.
A Model for the Future
As India battles climate change, rising temperatures, and depleting water tables, Sunda Ram Verma’s model serves as a blueprint for sustainable afforestation and land restoration.
In a time when environmental solutions often seem expensive or complex, Verma’s method reminds us that nature and innovation can work together—even with just a litre of water.
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