Nilgiri Tree Farming in India: A Smart Way to Cultivate Nilgiri
Table of Content
- An Overview of Nilgiri Tree in India
- What are the uses of Eucalyptus?
- What is the Step-by-step Process of Nilgiri Tree Farming in India?
- What are some of the important states where Eucalyptus Plantation is raised?
- Final Thoughts
An Overview of Nilgiri Tree in India
Nilgiri tree is also known as 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 is widespread in Australia, Tasmania, and the other nearby islands. The major commercial species of Nilgiri trees are Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus grandis. Their leaves and oil are famous for their therapeutic benefits and are also used in herbal goods.
What are the 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 measured as a good timber as the timber quality depends on species and climatic factors. As per the Eucalyptus timber cost, it is quite budget-friendly to be used in low-cost houses and in manufacturing furniture.
- Several Eucalyptus species are rich in nectar and pollen. Since beekeeping business is considered a profitable business in India, thus this activity is enhancing. The Eucalyptus globulus and E.citriodora leaves are used for oil extraction.
- Eucalyptus wood is used as a raw material in 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?
Soil and Climate Requirements
Eucalyptus trees can be grown in a wide range of climates; however, they grow best in tropical climates. These trees require 0°C to 47°C temperature for cultivation.
Nilgiri trees can be grown in different soils. However, soil with high drainage capacity and rich-organic loamy soil with a soil pH between 6 and 8 are considered best for their growth. Alkaline or saline soil with waterlogging is not suitable for Eucalyptus cultivation.
Sowing Time
The best time for the plantation of Eucalyptus is from June to October.
Transplanting and 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 it 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 between 25 to 35°C.
Seedlings become ready for transfer in a polythene bag six weeks after plantation 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.
Irrigation
Irrigation should be started once the seedlings are placed in the field. You can 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 approx. 25 irrigations over the entire growth period for high output and speedy returns (especially in hot, dry season or summer season). If the weather condition is wet, no irrigation is required. Eucalyptus trees can tolerate water stagnation; however, in case of flood or extreme rain, you should drain the soil.
Harvesting and 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 woods 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.
What are some of the important states in India where Eucalyptus Plantation is Raised?
In India, many states cultivate Eucalyptus in around 1,32,000 hectares of land. The major states are:
- Andhra Pradesh
- 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 be grown 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.
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