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Journalism of Courage
SURAT, June 23: Thanks to the Department of Social Forestry, Bharatbhai Painter of Miapur village in Mahuwa taluka is a happy man today. Painter, a farmer, was motivated and helped by the social forestry officials to plant trees 8212; ranging from teak and fruit to flowering plants.
It was only in 1995 when Painter planted about 700 saplings, including 85 fruit trees which are bringing him good dividends. Painter was given the saplings under the department8217;s degraded land development scheme. Expressing his gratitude to the department officials, he says 8220;had I not come in contact with social forestry I would have not planted these trees.8221;
In another 10 years, Painter will be able to sell the teak wood. This will fetch an amount he probably had not dreamt of, claims a senior forestry official. A 12- to 15-year-old teak tree fetches Rs 25,000.
Govindbhai Patel and Prashantbhai Patel, who have grown teak on 30 bigha land which they have named Shantivan8217;, bought the land for Rs 18 lakh. In 10 years when they cut 30,000 teak trees, they expect to get Rs 30 crore.
Talking to Express Newsline, the Patel brothers, who are in the textile business, said they opted for social forestry because of 8220;recession in the textile business8221; and their love for forests. 8220;During my visit to Europe I was overwhelmed to see thick forests. And it is my dream to grow a thick forest on this land, which is also a safe investment,8221; said Govindbhai Patel.
The department had taken up plantation as a pilot project in 1974-75. Social forestry has since taken deep roots in South Gujarat, particularly in Mahuwa taluka where the experiment has been very rewarding.
The Department of Social Forestry has planted teak on both sides of the district and state highways and canal sides in Mahuwa taluka. As per the scheme, after the felling of teakwood, it is auctioned and 75 per cent of the income is given to the local panchayat.
The Department of Social Forestry also helps marginalised farmers and gives them plants like teak and bamboo which they can use for various purposes. The income earned from selling teakwood goes to the farmers. Around 40 to 50 hectares of land are planted on every year.
