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.

Establishment of a Nedun Plantation Company

Abstract of the presentation of 

Udara Senevirathne

Pericopsis mooniana (Nedun) is a perennial tree of family Fabaceae. Nedun is a beautiful tree with dome shaped crown and evergreen foliage. Mature height and dbh of this species are 20-25m and 30-70cm respectively. The trees are usually located in low land wet zone forests. Timber of Pericopsis mooniana takes a very fine polish, cuts clear and turns easily. It has high natural durability. Colour of heart wood is dark brown and sap wood is pale in color. It is good for high class furniture, cabinet work, flooring and ornamental works.

The hypothetical Nedun Plantation Company named Green Tree Plantation Company is an investment company. The company hopes to provide Nedun timber as final product to local market and international market. The business model of the company consists with five steps as firstly Acquiring and Subdividing Land, Establishment, Plantation Management, Harvest and finally Distribute Returns.

Considering suitable growth condition for Nedun trees, a land is selected in Mathugama, Kalutara. It is a barren land due to high soil erosion.The land should be developed using sloping agricultural land technique. Then Gliricidia is used to soil enhancement because it is a Nitrogen fixing and Nutrient recycling tree. Coir dust is applied as mulch.

Nedun seedlings (purchased from FD) are planted in May-June. The planting distance for Nedun is 3.0m × 3.0m such that number of plants per ha is not less than 1110. N.P.K. ratio (9:13:9) fertilizer is added to Nedun plants in first three years and just after PCT at year 7. Two pruning treatments must be done at age 4 and 7. At pre-commercial thinning, 450 trees are removed at 7 years age. At year 13 of Nedun plants, 1st commercial thinning is done to remove 250 trees. This practice cannot be done with Gliricidia. Therefore they are removed before this thinning. After that, the 2nd commercial thinning is done and sold as timber at 20 years age by removing 120-150 trees. Pest and diseases threats are minimal to Nedun plantation. Most of the time leaf eating caterpillars makes damages. There is no severe damage after 3 years of Nedun plant. Therefore contact poisons can be applied within nursery period to first 3 years whenever necessary. There is a minimum threat to occur a forest fire, because this plantation is located in the wet zone. Most of the time surrounding people tend do illicit felling. Therefore the company expects to provide security using two watchers.

Value addition practices to a Nedun plantation are used of a low cost fertilizer mixture, high quality seedling, intercropping, and certification for both the plantations and end products.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 fires and other natural disasters can be mentioned as threats.