SOFT LOANS FOR EUCALYPTUS PLANTATION

Dumuriput : A nice view of make-shift arrangement

for vigilance (Photo - Debabrata Gartia)

Padmapur, Koraput: Koraput is famous all over Orissa for its beautiful landscape and bountiful natural resources. Also known as the heaven of Orissa, Koraput continues to be considered as one of the most backward districts in the state. Being a tribal populated, tribals engage themselves in many jobs, such as farming, cultivation, pottery, making handicrafts among a host of many other activities. But one interesting scheme which has been implemented by the government for uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the people living below poverty line is the grant of farm loans for eucalyptus cultivation.

The scheme might be a lengthy process but undoubtedly one good source for a steady income. Banks like State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of India (BOI) are providing the agricultural loan with 5% interest. A single person can get up to Rs. 45,000, and Rs. 15,000 each for their three acres land, by submitting their original land related documents. Banks provide loans in three phases. In each phase, money is given for various activities such as purchasing plants, insecticides, mending boundaries and in some cases the sapling is also provided. Loans are also provided in case of damages as well.



In an acre one thousand plants can be planted and a single plant’s cost is Rs. 1.50. So in three acre of land Rs. 4500 comes as its plant cost by sapling 3000 Eucalyptus plants. For the eucalyptus to grow in a healthy environment a distance of 4 feet must be maintained between each plant at the time of sapling the plants. After three years of sapling plants, trees become suitable to cut. Around 35 tones come as a result after cutting the trees, means 12 tones each in acre.  And the cost of a single ton of logs is Rs. 1600 approximately. So a single person gets the profit of around Rs. 30,000 and a maximum 20 to 25 thousand rupees is invested.



Dumuriput : Eucalyputus plantation in one of the hillsides

(Photo - Debabrata Gartia) 



And after the first phase of cutting trees another 3 years is needed to be grown up from the trunk. At that time medicines are not required to grown up the trees. Trees become well shaped at the time of second and third time cuttings. A person can cut the trees thrice, having 3 years of interval. In second and third time the timbers’ weight can reach up to 50 to 60 tons and that total money coming from selling the timber is of that person, who has the authority upon that Eucalyptus plantation.

It has become an important source of income for the people who really need financial.



(Debabrata Gartia is studying Journalism and Mass Communication at the Central University of Orissa. He already has completed a Master’s programme in English literature. Cricket is his passion and he would like to take an exclusive interview of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar upon the completion of his Journalism course. He can be reached at pinkurhtdm@gmail.com)