Plantation FAQs
 
Site Search
Plantations Benefits Plantations - Services Offered Plantation FAQs Research and Development
YOU ARE HERE|HomePlantationsPlantation FAQs
Resources Email Feedback
Plantation FAQs
a) How do I know my soil type?
Collect soil samples and get them analyzed in any of the Government established soil testing laboratory where soil samples are analyzed free of cost for farmers. Alternatively, please contact us with your name and address details, and our Marketing and Extension services officers will be glad to assist you.

b) Why are soils different?
Soil varies in its texture and structure depending upon the topography and geophysical conditions - such as the parent rock from which these soils are formed after weathering over a long period of time. As there is a wide variation in soil fertility and productivity, the plant species are selected based on its adaptability in a particular type of soil to harvest the potential yield.

c) How much land do I need to start growing these clones?
Our experience shows that to grow a single tree of clonal eucalyptus requires 4.5 to 6 square metre of a land area; Casuarina & Subabul requires 3 to 4 square metre of a land area. Therefore, one can start growing clones with an acre or ha or a part of it depending upon the land holding of the farmer.

d) How many trees I need to plant per hectare and at what spacing?
One needs to plant 2,222 number of plants per hectare at a spacing of 3 x 1.5 m. If agro-forestry models with wider spacing are followed, then the number of plants will differ slightly.

e) When can I cut them?
Clonal plantation of eucalyptus attains highest yield at the age of four years and subabul at three years, provided it is grown as per the package of practices recommended by the ITC plantation department. Hence, the harvest cycle for eucalyptus is four years and subabul three years.

f) Where can I sell the mature trees?
ITC buys these mature trees at prevailing market price.However, the farmer is under no compulsion to sell his crop to ITC - he is free to sell his produce to any buyer throughout the year.

g) How much money will I make by growing these trees?
The cost benefit ratio of 1:4 indicates good amount of returns. The Cost Benefit (estimated) is given below.
 

 h) Will ITC buy back my trees?
Yes, ITC gives a buy back assurance at the prevailing market price.

i) At what price will I be able to sell these trees?
The price of wood is fixed by the Agriculture Market Committee (a government body) and ITC abides by the rate fixed by the AMC. The wood rate varies from time to time depending upon demand & supply of wood in the market. Farmers can contact ITC’s raw material procurement department for current market rate.

j) Can I grow other crops with these trees?
Yes. The spacing followed is 3 x 1.5 m and any intercrop can be taken for the first year and in the second year, a shade loving crop such as turmeric can be taken .

k) Will ITC provide any assistance to me in growing these trees?
ITC provides free extension services to the farmers on what, when & how to raise a successful plantation.

l) Is it true that eucalyptus trees dry up the water table?
It is not true. Field studies conducted on root growth of eucalyptus at various age of planting like one, two, three & four years old root system shows that the maximum root system of clonal propagated root trainer saplings does not go beyond 1.5 to 2.0 m in depth. Therefore, due to the adoption of root trainer technology in clonal plantation, it is not possible to draw underground water from deeper depths.

m) What will happen to my crop if there are floods or drought?
The trees can tolerate water logging and drought much better than agricultural crops because of its perennial nature. Once flood or drought is over, the trees start growing normally. All the clones are selected under rain fed conditions and are drought tolerant.
 
Sitemap | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
Email This Page
Your Name  
Your Email
Friend's Email
Page URL
Message
Enter the code in textbox below
Download
First Name
Last Name
Email
Comments
Enter the code in textbox below
Feedback
First Name
Last Name
Email
Comments
Enter the code in textbox below