Nilgiri Tree Farming in India: A Smart Way to Cultivate Nilgiri

Table of Contents 

• An Overview of Nilgiri Trees in India 
• What are the Main Uses of Eucalyptus? 
• What is the Step-by-Step Process of Nilgiri Tree Farming in India? 
  • Soil & Climate 
  • Sowing Time 
  • Transplanting & Nursery 
  • Fertilizer
  • Irrigation 
  • Plant protection
  • Harvesting & Yield 
  • Intercropping 
• Top States for Eucalyptus Plantations 
• Final Thoughts

An Overview of Nilgiri Trees in India 

Eucalyptus has a rich history in India, dating back to 1790. The Nilgiri tree is also known as the gum tree, safeda tree, and red iron tree. It is a rapidly growing tree that grows up to 20 to 50 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family, which has more than 325 species. The Eucalyptus trees are widespread in Australia, Tasmania, and the other nearby islands. The major varieties of Nilgiri trees are Eucalyptus camaldulensis, FRI 4 and FRI 6, Eucalyptus globules, Eucalyptus citriodora. Their leaves and oil are famous for their therapeutic benefits and are also used in herbal goods. 

What are the Main Uses of Eucalyptus? 

• Eucalyptus is a great substitute for firewood because of its moderate burning qualities and calorific value. 
• Eucalyptus provides good charcoal. Its wood is used to manufacture charcoal to fulfill the urban and semi-urban demand wherever farm forestry has succeeded. 
• Eucalyptus poles are used in dwelling houses and construction. They are good for transmission purposes and are also used in mines and work sheds. 
• Earlier, Eucalyptus was not considered good timber, as timber quality depends on species and climatic factors. As per the Eucalyptus timber cost, it is quite budget-friendly for use in low-cost houses and in the manufacture of furniture. 
• Several Eucalyptus species are observed to be rich in nectar and pollen. Since the beekeeping business (Apiculture) is considered a profitable business in India, Eucalyptus trees facilitate improved honey production. The Eucalyptus globulus and E.citriodora leaves are used for oil extraction. 
• Eucalyptus wood is used as a raw material in the pulp and paper industry. Since the demand for pulp and paper is increasing rapidly, Eucalyptus wood has become highly important for these industries. 

What is the Step-by-Step Process of Nilgiri Tree Farming in India? 

Here are the key factors to be kept in mind for successful Nilgiri cultivation in India:  

Soil & Climate  

Nilgiri trees can be grown in different soils. However, soil with a high drainage capacity and rich, organic loamy soil with a soil pH between 6 and 8 is considered best for its growth. Alkaline or saline soil with waterlogging is not suitable for Eucalyptus cultivation. 

Eucalyptus trees can be cultivated in a wide range of climatic conditions; however, they grow best in tropical climates. These trees can tolerate temperatures between 0°C and 47°C.

Sowing Time 

The best time for the plantation of Eucalyptus is from June to October. The monsoon season ensures adequate moisture to promote high survival rates.  

Transplanting & Nursery 

Nilgiri plants can be grown with seeds and vegetative propagation. Eucalyptus seeds are viable for up to 3 months. You need to prepare a nursery bed in the size of 1.2 X 1.2 X 0.3 meters. After that, mix the seeds with sand and broadcast them over the mother bed. Then, take a thin layer of soil, cover the mother bed with it and keep a paddy straw layer for mulching. Seedlings develop fast at temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. 

Seedlings become ready for transfer in a polythene bag six weeks after planting or at the second leaf pair stage. They become ideal for field transplanting 3 to 5 months after seeding. Most field transplantation is done during wet conditions. 

Fertilizer

To protect seedlings from termites, apply 250g of a neem-based nutrient in each pit along with Phosphate@50gm and vermicompost@250gm. For plant growth, apply 50g of standard NPK fertilizer in the first year, and 50g of NPK (17:17:17) in the second year. Ensure regular hand-weeding to keep weed growth in check.

Irrigation 

Irrigation should be started once the seedlings are placed in the field. Use the Drip irrigation technique to maintain the moisture in the field. Irrigation amount can be determined according to the soil type and weather conditions. Eucalyptus can easily tolerate drought conditions. However, you should provide approximately 25 irrigations over the entire growth period for high output and speedy returns (especially in the hot, dry season or summer season). If the weather conditions are wet, no irrigation is required. Eucalyptus trees can tolerate water stagnation; however, in case of a flood or extreme rain, you should drain the soil. 

Plant Protection

Eucalyptus farming requires targeted management to protect trees from pests like termites, stem canker, and blue gum. You can secure your yield by applying Nimbicides or Bordeaux mixture and removing the gall-affected plants immediately.

Harvesting & Yield 

Eucalyptus crops take 10 to 12 years to mature and become trees. The weight of a Eucalyptus tree is around 400 kg. You may plant around one to one and a half thousand trees in a one-hectare area. You can easily earn 70 lakhs to one crore by selling Eucalyptus wood once the tree is ripe. 

Intercropping 

Farmers can grow profitable crops for a short duration while cultivating Eucalyptus, such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, and linseed, between the rows of Nilgiri trees. Cultivation of these profitable crops helps minimize the Nilgiri cultivation costs. 

Top States for Eucalyptus Plantations 

In India, many states cultivate Eucalyptus. The major states involved in Nilgiri cultivation are: 

• Andhra Pradesh 
• Bihar
• Goa, Daman & Deu
• Gujarat
• Haryana
• Kerala
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Punjab
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Karnataka

Final Thoughts 

Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus hybrid are the two most cultivated Eucalyptus species in India. Their versatile nature and amenability for harvesting in short rotations have enabled them to grow in most areas of the country. Even in unclear situations regarding water requirements, especially in semi-arid areas, Eucalyptus trees are accepted commercially and are cultivated for different purposes. With proper care and cultivation steps, you can increase your yields and profits significantly.