Profitable Business Idea: Going by the current inflation trends, it is estimated that all of us will require some form of side business to sustain our lives in the coming future. In such a situation, investing in trees cultivation seems a profitable long-term investment. In this article, we will tell you how you can grow eucalyptus trees on 1 acre of land with an investment of just Rs 25,000 and earn up to Rs 72 Lakhs in 5 years.
Eucalyptus is a fast growing, tall tree attaining a height of 20-500 m and up to 2 m diameter. It is also known as gum, white and eucalyptus. The wood obtained from its trees is used in making boxes, fuel, hard boards etc., pulp, furniture, particle boards and buildings.
How to Grow a Eucalyptus Tree?
Eucalyptus plants do not require any particular climate to grow. It can be grown anywhere on any land. It can be grown in all seasons. Its height can range from 30 to 90 meters. Eucalyptus takes 8 to 10 years to fully mature. In India, 6 species of Eucalyptus are grown: Eucalyptus nitens, Eucalyptus obliqua, Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus diversicolor.
Eucalyptus Cultivation: Land Preparation
A deep ploughing followed by leveling is recommended. Small pits are prepared for transplanting seedlings in a flat field. Cow dung manure is used in these pits which are then irrigated. Its trees are grown at a distance of 5 feet.
Eucalyptus Cultivation: Irrigation requirement
Eucalyptus plants are prepared in the nursery and then transplanted in the field. The rainy season is best for transplanting it. During this time,they do not require initial irrigation. If the seedlings have been transplanted before the rainy season, then the first irrigation must be provided immediately after transplanting.
Eucalyptus plants need water at intervals of 40 to 50 days. When young, Eucalyptus plants have to be protected from weeds. Especially in rainy season the plants need three to four weeding and uprooting and destroying the weeds around the plant.
Eucalyptus Cultivation: Cost Profit Analysis
Eucalyptus is an easy-to-grow tree that doesn’t require much maintenance. About 3000 thousand plants can be planted in 1 hectare. You can get these plants for Rs 5-7 from the nurseries. So, total cost of the saplings will be around Rs. 21 thousand. Adding miscellaneous expenses total cost of production may be around Rs 25000. After 4 to 5 years, about 400 kg of wood can be obtained from each tree. That means about 12, 00,000 kg of wood will be obtained from 3000 trees. This wood is sold in the market at a price of Rs. 6 per kg. In that case, if you sell it, you can earn around Rs. 72 lakhs. If some other expenses are deducted (Land rent, maintenance costs etc.,) even then, you can earn at least Rs. 60 lakhs in 4 to 5 years.
