Chennai: Tamil Nadu has launched a scientific initiative to introduce high-yielding teak clones for plantations across the state, in a move aimed at boosting timber productivity and farmer income.Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTM), working with the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) in Coimbatore, is rolling out five superior teak clones, IFGTB-TG-1 to IFGTB-TG-5, developed and evaluated by the institute.Explaining about the new initiative mission director I Anwardeen said the clones have been selected for faster growth, better girth development, straight and cylindrical bole form, and higher timber productivity potential, with field observations showing promising results across different agro-climatic regions. Clonal teak produces a cleaner, more uniform bole with reduced branching, translating into a higher share of quality commercial timber compared to ordinary seedling teak, he said.To guard against risk, the mission is adopting a polyclonal approach, using a mixture of clones rather than relying on a single variety, since different clones respond differently to pests, diseases and climatic stress. Tamil Nadu already sees strong farmer interest in teak, with an estimated 22 to 30 lakh seedlings planted annually in the state. Officials said superior clonal material could significantly improve productivity, timber quality and economic returns for growers.As a first step, 20 districts identified by GTM as suitable for teak cultivation will host demonstration plots. Around 55,000 clonal teak seedlings will be planted through these plots, with three plots in each district. Farmers are being identified and linked to the plots so they can observe the clones’ performance under local conditions, with the aim of encouraging wider adoption.Now, producing these clones requires vegetative multiplication through tissue culture. GTM plans to build the state’s capacity for producing clonal planting material by setting up and strengthening tissue-culture facilities, laying the groundwork for modernising the plantation-tree sector.IFGTB director Rabi Kumar said that, as part of the broader effort, an MoU will soon be signed with GTM covering both teak and cashew. The agreement envisages developing ‘vegetative multiplication gardens’ and mechanisms to supply superior planting material to farmers regularly through research nurseries.Officials described the initiative as a significant shift toward scientifically improved planting material for farm forestry, aimed at raising tree productivity, boosting farmers’ long-term returns, and supporting the state’s afforestation goals.
