Mangaluru: On Sunday May 7, a unique method of promoting afforestation was adopted at Vikas Pre-University College, as part of eco-club activity.

Making 'Seed Balls' gives nature the extra boost it needs to recreate the natural balance on earth. Cow dung of native cows, cow urine, seeds and red soil are used to make the seed balls.

About 300 Students were trained to make the marble sized ball seed balls which are made of clay, compost/humus and seeds which are used to replant areas where the natural flora has been destroyed. Seed balls also referred to as 'Seed Bombs' are now used world around to reseed land that has been abused by man or by mother nature herself.

Making seed balls prevents seeds being baked dry by the sun, blown away by the wind, washed away by heavy rains or nibbled away by birds or other small wildlife. The clay protects the seed from the heat of the sun and remain unaffected by the wind or heavy rains and deters animal nibblers as well.

Around 7000 seed balls were made with the seeds of various fruit bearing and other trees that would be utilized to introduce vegetation on barren lands. After drying the seed balls in a shady place they are now stored in gunny bags which could be used in areas of man made deserts, in the near future once the rain sets in. The college also plans to re-introduce the Seed Ball Drone to toss the seed balls in remote areas.

Advisor, Dr Ananth Prabhu G, principal, Rajaram, HoD of biology department Ayesha, Neeraj Kamath from Uttishta Bharatha and staff joined hands in this noble cause.