THRISSUR: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has urged researchers and scientists to identify the reasons for the declining productivity of teak plantations in Kerala and suggest remedial measures.
He was inaugurating the three-day international workshop on 'Production and marketing of teakwood: Future scenarios' at the Kerala Forest Research Institute at Peechi here on Monday. The workshop was jointly organised by the International Teak Information Network (TEAKNET), KFRI, FAO, the Asia-Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions and the Union Ministry of Environment.
Viswom said 74,000 hectares of land was under teak in Kerala and "there is no scope for further increase in the acreage." At the same time, there exists a vast gap between demand and supply of teakwood in the State.
Thus, increasing the productivity is the only way to meet the growing demand. But productivity of plantations in Kerala is declining.
The other serious challenge before researchers is the growing incidence of new diseases and pests attacking teak.
Last year the State realised Rs 220 crore from sale of teakwood, which was 25 per cent higher than the previous year's figure. The target fixed for the current year is Rs 40 crore, Viswom added.
T M Manoharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, launched the Tree Health Helpline at the function. TEAKNET co-ordinator K Jayaraman explained the workshop's goals. Lilly Francis, president of Pananchery panchayat, offered felicitations. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment executive vice-president E P Yesodharan welcomed the gathering and KFRI Director K V Sankaran proposed a vote of thanks.
About 70 delegates from major teak-producing countries are taking part in the workshop.