ECOGreen (Pvt) Limited: Establishment of a Pericopsis Plantation

Abstract of the presentation of

Chathuranga Deshapriya

Nedun (Pericopsis mooniana) is a perennial tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka. It belongs to family Fabaceae. This species is considered as threatened species due to heavy exploitation for its beautiful timber, which is in great demand and realizes high prices. It is threatened further by poor natural regeneration and lack of replanting. Nedun trees are generally distributed in wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. Usually timber has high durability thus it is use for High class furniture, cabinet work, flooring, carvings and ornamental works.

A forest management company named as ECOGreen (Pvt.) Ltd is established with aim of promoting Nedun plantations to generate investment opportunities for Sri Lankans as well as foreign investors. Company is highly focused on forest management activities, which acts on behalf of owners of plantation blocks, in order to generate the most value from their forest investment and protect their asset. With the aim of establishing Nedun plantation in low country wet zone, 42.5 hectares of abandoned Rubber estate will be acquired which is located in Bodiyakanda, Agalawatta.

Land preparation can be done using mechanical and manual methods for preparing the ground for planting to ensure the best possible utilization of the soil resources for the plants. Nedun seeds purchased from reliable suppliers are raised in the nursery using prescribed techniques. Seedlings will be planted during May-June rainy season. The required spacing for planting trees is 5.0m × 5.0m such that number of plants per ha is around 400. Fertiliser with N.P.K. ratio 9:13:9 is added to Nedun plants in first three years and just after pre commercial thinning at year 7. Two pruning treatments must be done at age 4 and 7.

Value addition to a Nedun plantation can be done by maximization of land utilization by introducing intercrops as short term income generation method. For this purpose Pepper and Arecanut can be recommended. In addition to that use of low cost fertilizer mixture, high quality seedling and obtaining FSC certification can be done. In SWOT analysis, excellent return of investment and highly experienced management as some strengths, the growing cycle for Nedun is not more aggressive as one of weakness, high market potential as one of opportunity, land invasion and theft and other natural disasters such as heavy rains and floods can be mentioned as threats.