Establishment and management plan of Eucalyptus grandis plantation by Greenhill (Pvt) Ltd

Abstract of the presentation of

Savindi Caldera

Eucalyptus spp were introduced to Sri Lanka in the latter part of 18th century by planters who had links with Australia. After 1953, Forest Department established Eucalyptus grandis in the hill country Sri Lanka, especially in degraded lands for the rehabilitation. These were to obtain sawn timber, transmission poles, railway sleepers and fuel wood.

As there is a population increase and growing demand for timber in Sri Lanka, Eucalyptus grandis plantations had a positive aspect due to fast growth and adoptability to harsh conditions. It meets requirements of people, industries and paved the way to reduce pressure on natural forests. But criticism was voiced in environmental degradation with allegations of adverse effects on soil, hydrology and habitat. However, most of these criticisms have now been addressed by value additions to those plantations as well as to the end-products. Greenhill Company has five main steps in their business model such as aacquiring and subdividing land, establishment, plantation management, and harvest and distributes returns.

The plantation is based in Nuwara Eliya with an extent of 50 ha and it was selected based on the unique climatic and soil conditions which are conducive for the growth of Eucalyptus grandis. Planting objective is to obtain sawn timber mainly to cater the local market with construction timber. In order to supply the perfect fit for each individual’s investment needs short-term cash crops such as beans chilies, green gram or other cash crops such as cotton are being intercropped.

Our business practices are certified by the International Organization for Standardization, achieving ISO 14001 for environmental management and the plantation is well managed as certified by FSC Certification. Value addition can be done through good silvicultural practices, planting superior clones of hybrids and genetically modified high yielding; disease-free, non-splitting trees obtained via vegetative propagations which would improve timber quality and quantity within the plantation. Practicing agroforestry and promoting related industries such as beekeeping, extraction of Eucalyptus oils would generate additional income to the company. At the same time it maximises the land use of the area. Adding organic fertilisers, managing plantations for longer rotational periods, fire management and trench management are some of the eco-friendly management practices that add values to the plantations.  Timber seasoning, pre-treatments, designs used in furniture manufacturing and forest certifications will add value to the end product.

An investment plan was given while assuring absolute ownership of a land with Eucalyptus grandis trees to the clients, ensuring continuous monitoring and improvements by Forestry Consultants. Short term returns will be gained through the intercrops, the thinned material sold as fuel wood and essential oil production which will be outsourced to Bio Extractors’ Pvt Ltd. 

Young plantation of E. grandis