Abstract

Three schemes for raising eucalypt plantations in the forests were started in Kerala about two decades back. Two of them aimed at the production of raw material for the pulp-based industries and the third to produce fuelwood. The area under eucalypts in kerala has increased rapidly since 1960. An attempt is made to identify the criteria adopted for favouring eucalypts. Eucalypt was selected for the industrial plantations considering it as a 'fast growing species'. Whether eucalypt plantations in kerala actually come under the definition of 'fast growing species' is examined using the yields obtained in selected felled plantations. An attempt is also made to quantify some of the direct subsidies to the pulp and paper industries, involved in Kerala's eucalypt plantation programme. How far the eucalypts raised under fuelwood plantation scheme have helped to meet the fuelwood needs of the people is also looked into. The experience with the eucalypt plantations, raised for