Bhonpuram Khabari, Rudrapur: In a significant collaboration aimed at bolstering environmental efforts and increasing farm income, University Farm under Pantnagar GB Pant Agricultural University and Century Pulp and Paper Mill have joined hands for a massive eucalyptus plantation project on 200 acres of land in Lalkuan.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Manmohan Singh Chouhan, outlines the roles of each institution. Century Mill will be responsible for supplying the plant material, while the maintenance and management of the plantation will be handled by Plantation University Farm Management.
Chauhan said, “The first phase of the project will see eucalyptus being planted across the designated 200-acre area, with an estimated income of Rs 8 crore. Over the course of five years, the projected income is expected to be Rs 4 lakh per acre annually, with Century Mills committing to pay the university around Rs 50,000 per acre every year”.
Chauhan further said, “Upon the fifth year and tree felling, a final payment of Rs. 2 lakh per acre will be made to the university. However, scientists believe that the actual final payment will likely surpass this estimate by five to six lakh rupees, considering a more substantial yield. This plantation is anticipated to raise the farm’s income by 50 to 60 percent, marking a notable step forward in sustainable agriculture and environmental enhancement”.