AUW’s Green Bangle Project concludes a three-month palmyrah germination process with a hands-on workshop training students in sustainable nursery development, transplantation techniques, and ecological restoration practices.
The Green Bangle Project at the Asian University for Women has completed a three-month germination of 4,000 palmyrah seeds, culminating in a technical environmental workshop that trained students in sustainable nursery development and transplantation techniques.
Titled “From Seed Bed to Nursery,” the workshop was held at the AUW main campus and combined scientific preparation, ecological awareness and hands-on instruction. The initiative marked the final stage of a carefully structured germination process designed to transform thousands of seeds into viable seedlings for long-term ecological restoration.
The process began three months ago with the construction of a specialized seed bed. A protective sheet was placed at the base to prevent emerging roots from attaching directly to the ground, ensuring that seedlings could later be extracted without structural damage. The bed was then arranged in a six-layer system of alternating manure-and-soil mixture and palmyrah seeds, finished with a final top layer of soil. According to organizers, the layering method promoted balanced aeration, nutrient distribution and moisture retention to create optimal conditions for early growth.
Over the following months, the seeds developed shoots and established root systems within the controlled environment. Friday’s workshop focused on transferring the sprouted seedlings into individual nursery bags while equipping students with proper transplantation skills.
Professor Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj, lead of the Green Bangle Project and director of the Environmental Sciences program, demonstrated the careful excavation of the seed bed. He guided students through extracting palmyrah shoots without disturbing their roots and packing them securely into nursery bags. Mr Sohail, a gardener at the AUW main campus, supported and monitored the entire process.
During the session, students observed the biological connection between the seed and the emerging shoot, including the thread-like structure at the top that continues to provide essential nutrition during early growth. They received instruction on correct positioning of the seed and shoot inside nursery bags to ensure upright development and healthy root expansion. Each bag was filled with the appropriate manure soil mixture before the seedling was placed inside, followed by immediate watering to reduce transplant shock and support adaptation.
Beyond the practical training, the workshop provided in-depth lessons on manure composition, soil balance, moisture control and the scientific principles underlying early-stage plant development. By the end of the session, students had acquired the technical competence to design and manage a nursery system independently, from preparing a seed bed to caring for transplanted seedlings.
Organizers said the initiative reflects AUW’s continued commitment to experiential environmental education and sustainable restoration practices. Through deliberate preparation and science-based training, the program has transformed 4,000 palmyrah seeds into what participants described as a long-term investment in ecological resilience and student leadership.
Ms Shaika Mohammad Chowdhury, assistant project manager of the AUW Green Bangle Project, coordinated the event.
The workshop also highlighted the broader value of the palmyrah tree, particularly its edible tuber, the sprout that emerges from a germinated seed. A staple in traditional diets across many tropical regions, the tuber is highly versatile. It can be boiled and eaten directly as a nutrient-dense snack or processed into dried powder.
Rich in dietary fiber, calcium and essential vitamins, palmyrah tubers serve as an important source of starch. They are commonly consumed boiled or roasted or processed into flour. The flour-like substance is widely used in local cuisines as a thickener and nutritional base for soups and porridges.
By understanding the germination process from seed bed preparation to nursery care, students gained insight into how the palmyrah tree contributes to food security. Organizers said the tree represents a sustainable low-cost resource that can function both as a fresh vegetable and a long-term pantry staple while supporting environmental restoration efforts.
