Eucalyptus was introduced to the subcontinent from Australia in 1843, but substantial plantings did not occur until after 1950. A further impetus was observed in the 1970s and 1985 with the launch of initiatives encouraging farmers to plant fuelwood crops.
Among the various species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis has proven most adaptable to all agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, particularly excelling in arid and semi-arid plains. Its widespread cultivation has been driven by its high-volume production and versatility.
It is used in particleboard, chipboard, pulp, paper, crossarms, fence posts, poles, fuelwood, and charcoal, making it a favourite among farmers.
Eucalyptus belongs to a diverse genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the family Myrtaceae, with over 800 species. Native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia, eucalyptus trees dominate the tree flora of these regions. Globally, eucalyptus plantations span over 20 million hectares.
Within the Indian subcontinent, the species was first introduced in 1790 by Tipu Sultan, who planted it as an ornamental tree in his palace garden on Nandi Hills. The first official plantation by a forest department occurred in 1877 in Tumkur District, India.
Renowned for its adaptability, eucalyptus thrives in dry, water-logged, saline, and rocky areas, transforming wastelands into productive landscapes.
In Pakistan, large-scale eucalyptus plantations began in the 1950s, gaining further momentum during the 1970s and 1980s under the Farm Forestry Project, which aimed to motivate farmers to grow fuelwood crops. Pryor, an FAO consultant, evaluated Pakistan's eucalyptus initiatives and recommended prioritising five species: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E camaldulensis, E microtheca, E melanophloia, and E citriodora. He also emphasised the importance of collecting seeds from pure stands or isolated trees to prevent hybridisation.
The success of eucalyptus plantations in Pakistan is well-documented, particularly in District Malakand, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), where mass plantations under the Malakand/Dir Social Forestry Project began in the early 1980s.
Eucalyptus trees, planted on dry and rocky mountains, flourished and transformed barren landscapes into green forests. The first harvest, after ten to fifteen years, yielded impressive financial returns for local communities. The subsequent harvests through coppicing established eucalyptus as a cash crop, revolutionising livelihoods and turning non-productive lands into valuable resources.
Eucalyptus wood is primarily used in composite wood production, pulp and paper industries, and local construction. Its straight trunks also make it suitable for furniture manufacturing and firewood.
The largest eucalyptus plantation in Pakistan is in Khipro, Sindh, initiated in 1973 to supply raw materials to the pulp, paper, chipboard, and furniture industries.
The economic impact of these miraculous trees is immense. They have provided much-needed biomass to this forest-deficient country, catering to the demands of firewood, timber, shuttering, packing, and mining industries.
During winter, eucalyptus wood fuels boilers in cotton and garment mills. Districts like Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Layyah witness the daily dispatch of approximately 1,000 truckloads of eucalyptus wood across the country and to Afghanistan.
These transactions generate around Rs100 million daily, significantly benefiting local communities, labourers, transporters, and traders. Over 50 eucalyptus markets operate in these districts alone, driving a green economy in previously marginalised areas.
Known as a "political species" for its resilience and adaptability, eucalyptus offers enormous opportunities to reduce pulp and paper imports.
Cultivating eucalyptus on marginal and sub-marginal lands and processing it domestically could create millions of jobs in the wood-based industry. Its rapid growth ensures quick financial returns within four to five years, making it an attractive option for plantation on problem lands.
Eucalyptus has also reclaimed waterlogged lands in Sindh and Punjab. Its medicinal properties are noteworthy, with its seeds, flowers, and leaves containing significant quantities of volatile oil, known as eucalyptol. This oil is used to treat cold, relieve pain, soothe sore throats, and address chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It also combats congestion and germs effectively.
Despite its introduction to the Indian subcontinent nearly 400 years ago, eucalyptus is often unfairly criticised. Some environmentalists, without understanding its water consumption relative to wood production, label it an exhaustive water user and allege it has allelopathic properties.
However, these claims are unfounded. Eucalyptus originates from Australia, one of the driest continents on Earth. If it were truly harmful, it would have devastated its native ecosystems. Globally, commercial forests cater to industrial needs, while natural forests are managed for ecosystem services. Misconceptions about eucalyptus must be addressed through public awareness campaigns.
To maximise the potential of eucalyptus, a consistent research strategy should be developed. This should involve assessing different species for suitability in waterlogged, saline, marshy, and degraded areas.
Research findings should inform recommendations for eucalyptus planting under social forestry and urban afforestation programmes, as well as for industrial plantations and pharmaceutical applications. Guidelines for managing eucalyptus plantations should be published for professionals, wood-based industries, and farmers.
The Ministry of Climate Change and provincial forestry departments must step forward to promote eucalyptus as a "green gold." This tree is vital for reclaiming problem soils, greening barren mountains and sandy deserts, and achieving self-sufficiency in pulp, paper, composite wood, and furniture production. It also supports the construction industry and offers medicinal value.
To further enhance its adoption, federal and provincial governments should increase eucalyptus nurseries and expand its cultivation across Pakistan. Doing so would not only turn problem soils into productive assets but also reduce reliance on imports, boost local industries, and create employment opportunities.
Eucalyptus has proven itself a transformative force in Pakistan's forestry and economy. It is time to fully recognise its potential and harness its benefits for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
THE WRITER IS A FORESTER AND NATURAL RESOURCE EXPERT
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