Indian state to plant 10 million teak saplings annually under green wealth scheme

A state government has announced an ambitious plan to plant one crore (10 million) teak saplings every year as part of a comprehensive green wealth creation initiative. The scheme seeks to leverage forestry as both an environmental and economic tool for rural communities.

Under the programme structure, farmers participating in teak cultivation will receive 70 percent of the financial returns generated from timber sales and related forest products, while the state government will retain 30 percent. This revenue-sharing model is designed to incentivise farmer participation while ensuring sustainable management of the afforestation effort.

State Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar outlined the initiative as a long-term investment in environmental sustainability and rural prosperity. The teak plantation programme aligns with broader state objectives to increase forest cover while generating alternative income streams for agricultural communities facing economic pressures.

Teak wood commands significant market value in India and globally, making it an economically viable species for large-scale plantation programmes. The annual planting target of one crore saplings represents a substantial commitment to expanding the state's forest resources and contributing to national climate goals.