MIND ECOLOGICAL BALANCE WHILE RAISING TEAK OUTPUT

INDIA now needs to import an expensive product it once was the leading producer of.

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The demand for teak—the premier hardwood sought for its durability, and waterand rot-resistant qualities—has soared in recent times because of its use in house structures, cabinetry and boat building. India hosts 44 percent of the global teak plantation area, harvesting around 3,00,000 cubic metres annually. Yet, it has to import 60 percent of its annual domestic consumption of over 20,00,000 cubic metres due toa sharp increase in demand that outpaces supply, thanks mainly to rapid urbanisation. Ecologists are warning that this trend is leading to immense harm in the form of illegal tree-felling and cross-border smuggling.