Kathmandu, March 23 -- The government has unveiled an ambitious plan of planting 50 million trees in the fiscal year 2019-20 as part of a nationwide campaign dubbed the "Year of Plantation".

"Declaring the upcoming fiscal year as the 'Year of Plantation' is a reflection of the government's commitment of maintaining the current forest coverage," said Basnet.

Nepal's current forest coverage stands at 44.74 percent (roughly 6.6 million hectares) of its total area.

As part of the plantation drive, saplings will be planted in and outside forest areas.

According to the plan, fast-growing trees will be planted, with the government providing the saplings and other resources for the purpose.

"If a farmer can sustain his/her livelihood from fa...