Gmelina Arborea ( Kumil, White teak, Gamar)

Gmelina Arborea is one of the fast growing tree and has good timber value. It can grow in all type of soils (fertile or poor, water logging to be avoided). It can grow moderate to large height up to 30 m with girth of 1.2 to 4. It will give good returns in 8-10 years.

Other names are: sagwan teak, kashmir  teak, ummithekku, Shewan, Gamar tree, Gamhar tree

Method of planting (Cultivation / Plantation):
If irrigation facility is not available, start of the rainy season is good time for planting. Seedling is available from the nurseries (rs 10 -15 per sapling).
Pit size needed for planting is 2 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet.
Spacing needed between each sapling is 10-12 feet. Good spacing is needed for better growth of girth and height. Support pole is needed while planting (first 6 months) since sapling may easily break by wind or animals. If irrigation possible, you can irrigate in 2-3 weeks interval. Side branches growing is more in it, so proper pruning is needed in regular intervals. Inter crops such as black gram, groundnut, pepper etc can cultivated up to 3-4 years. No of trees can be planted per acre is 400-600 trees. It can be harvested in 8-10 years.

It can yield 500*8000 = rs 40,00000/acre  in 8-10 years.


Uses:
Gmelina arborea can be used as substitute to teak wood (Tectona grandis). Gmelina arborea is used in paneling, carriages, furniture, carpentry, boxes and also for plywood industries. Timber can be used for doors and window panels. It can be used in paper and match industries. The roots and fruits are used in Ayurveda medicine.
Some of the pictures are here:

Gmelina Arborea( Kumil , Sagwan) Pictures | Innovative farming solutions