The Biggest Benefits Of Growing Melia Dubia

If you are a farmer in India and you are considering adding a new crop to your plantation or farm, Melia Dubia (also called Malabar neem, hebbevu or kaadu bevu or malia vembu) is a great option. This deciduous tree grows incredibly quickly, and is highly sought-after for use in the paper industry, for plywood, and even for construction and furniture-building.

So, why should you bother growing Melia Dubia in India? Why is it a better choice than any other tree? Here are just a few of the benefits of Melia Dubia.

Rapid Growth Of Up To 40 Feet In 2 Years

After the seedlings have been planted in properly nutrient-rich soil, Melia Dubia can grow to a height of up to 40 feet in just two years, quickly reaching maturity and developing a strong, sturdy trunk. Over time, this trunk will continue to become stronger and more useful – when young, it can be harvested for pulp.

As it ages, it becomes useful for plywood and timber. The proper age for your Melia Dubia before harvest depends on the purpose for which you intend to sell your timber.

Versatile Timber Can Be Used For Multiple Purposes

Timber from Melia Dubia that is between 3-5 years of age can be harvested for use in the paper pulp industry. If you want a quick return on your investment, this is the best option for you. You can plant up to 1,000 Melia Dubia/Malabar neem trees per acre (0.4 ha) and harvest them quickly.

If you wish to grow Melia Dubia for plywood or timber, it’s best to plant your trees farther apart – at least 5m x 5m. This usually means about 110 plants per acre. This provides the trees with the space they need to develop a stronger, healthier trunk. Melia Dubia can usually be used for plywood and small furniture (tables, chairs, benches) between 5-7 years of age.

The tree can even be used for structural construction timber once it reaches maturity at around the age of 10-15 years. At this age, Melia Dubia is very strong and durable, and it is becoming a preferred material for many builders in India.

Since timber is in such high demand in India, you can easily make up to Rs. 90,000 per acre when planting Melia Dubia. Even after subtracting the costs of cutting and lorry transport, a hefty profit will remain.

Crown Provides Minimal Shade, Allowing Crops To Be Planted Underneath

One of the best things about Melia Dubia/Malabar neem is that it does not have a large crown, and it only grows a few side branches, which can easily be pruned away. Because of this, it is not excessively shady – so you can grow groundnuts and crops like green and black gram underneath the trees.

Because Melia Dubia has a fibrous root system rather than a taproot, it also helps reduce soil erosion where it’s planted, which creates a better growing medium for your other crops.

Melia Dubia Is Hardy And Strong

Melia Dubia is very hardy and can endure both frost and heat, though prolonged periods of cold temperatures will kill it. It thrives in moist climates, yet only requires watering and irrigation about every 10-15 days during the dry season. In the wet season, no irrigation is required.

However, it is important to note that Melia Dubia, lacking a taproot, is not resistant to extremely high winds. Care should be taken to plant them in an area that is sheltered from the wind if you regularly experience windstorms.

Simple To Prune And Care For While Growing

After Melia Dubia reaches a height of between 8-14 feet, it will typically begin to sprout several side branches, which can be easily pruned. Regular pruning encourages a strong, sturdy and heavy trunk to form.

Beyond regular irrigation and a twice-yearly application of 30-45g of NPK fertilizer, Melia Dubia requires no other special care – it’s incredibly simple to grow.

Understand These Benefits – And Grow Melia Dubia/Malabar Neem At Your Farm!

For these reasons, growing Melia Dubia/Malabar neem is a great option at your farm. So invest in some Melia Dubia drupes or seeds now, begin the germination and seedling growth process, and see how growing this tree can transform your farm for the better!