- One day workshop on improved teak plantation organised
- The government is giving up to 100 percent subsidy for teak plantation on private land.
Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap attended a one-day workshop on “Teak Management and Advanced Teak Planting” as the chief guest at Aranya Bhavan in Nava Raipur today. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Shri Arun Pandey, senior Forest Department officials, scientists, and a large number of farmers were present at the event.
- Teak is a safe and profitable green investment
Addressing the workshop, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that managing and improving teak plantations can lead to high-quality timber production and excellent profits. He added that teak is one of the most valuable timbers in the world. Its strength, durability, and termite-resistant properties have earned it the nickname “the king of timber.”
He added that just as people invest in a bank for future security, planting teak trees is a long-term and safe investment. This can provide farmers with better economic returns in the future.
- Tissue culture plants will increase productivity
Forest Minister Mr. Kashyap encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques, explaining that teak plants grown using tissue culture techniques grow faster than conventional plants. These plants have straighter stems and better quality timber, resulting in better quality timber and increased farmer income.
- Additional income from intercropping
Mr. Kashyap explained that farmers can earn additional income by growing pulses, oilseeds, or other crops in the spaces between teak plantations in the initial years of plantation. Thinning the trees after eight to ten years can also yield economic benefits. The state government is providing special grants to encourage commercial plantations on private land.
- 100% subsidy to farmers having up to 5 acres
For small and marginal farmers, a 100 percent subsidy is available for planting teak on up to 5 acres, providing assistance of ₹94.50 per tree.
- 50 percent assistance to large tree plantation projects
50 percent financial subsidy is being provided to farmers and institutions planting trees in an area of more than 5 acres.
- Expert scientists gave modern information
Renowned scientists from Coimbatore, Dr. Rekha R. Warrier and Dr. R. Yashoda, who attended the workshop, informed farmers about scientific techniques for improved teak production. They provided detailed guidance on soil selection, plant care, disease management, and tissue culture-based plant characteristics.
- Chhattisgarh has vast potential for teak production
Experts say Chhattisgarh’s climate and soil are highly suitable for teak production. Teak-based agroforestry could be an effective means of increasing farmers’ income in several areas, including Bijapur, Bhopalpatnam, Kota, Ambagarh Chowki, Raigarh, Saraipali, and Narayanpur.
- Teak in the field, every farmer is prosperous, appeal to farmers
On the concluding day of the workshop, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap called upon the farmers to adopt teak plantation on a large scale and said that the resolution of ‘Teak in the field, every farmer prosperous’ will write a new chapter of green development and rural economic empowerment in the state.