Chikkamagaluru: Chikkamagaluru district is the second largest producer of commercial crop Coffee after Kodagu in the state. Years ago silver oak saplings were planted by growers to provide shade to coffee plants and the decision by growers is paying rich dividends today as the full grown silver oak trees are providing huge profits to growers.The annual turnover in silver oak timber trade is presumably around Rs 500 crores where each truck load fetches more than a lakh of rupees for the grower.
Silver oak trees are used extensively in packing and in plywood industry and there is huge demand for the same in the recent times. Arabica coffee is grown in 37,000 hectares land where as more reliable Robusta in 32000 hectares in the district. In each acre growers are planting round 300 to 400 trees and it takes 10 years period to reap the benefits once trees are fully grown. Growers plant a new sapling in the place where a full blown trees to ensure continuity.
With no restriction on cutting, processing and movement of silver oak trees the growers are able to make up for the losses in coffee they incur due to diseases and low market prices.
Off late more than 100 truck loads cross the district borders to reach sawmills within and outside the state as there is huge demand for silver oak trees. Other commercial crops like pepper and cardamom also help the growers to offset losses when prices dip and to bear increasing labour costs.
The income they gain from silver oak trade is the net profit for the growers and many in the district consider ‘silver’ is blessing in disguise!
