Karnataka to launch Teak Wealth scheme with one crore saplings annually

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced a new initiative called the 'Teak Wealth' scheme, under which the state government will facilitate the planting of one crore teak saplings every year. The plantations will come up on farmers' land, government land, and along both sides of government roads.

Speaking at the 111th Jayanti Mahotsava of Shivaratri Rajendra Swami at Suttur Mutt, the Chief Minister said the Forest Department would supply the saplings, while farmers and landowners would be responsible for their upkeep. Under the proposed revenue-sharing model, 70% of the returns from the mature teak trees would go to the landowners, with the remaining 30% accruing to the government.

Mr. Shivakumar described the scheme as a unique cooperative effort between the state and landowners to boost Karnataka's forest wealth. He noted that over the next 25 years, the initiative could generate substantial green wealth for the state. The Forest Department and private nurseries will be encouraged to raise teak saplings on a large scale to support the programme.

The Chief Minister drew a parallel with an earlier initiative during the tenure of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, when five crore saplings were planted with the support of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Balagangadharanatha Swami.

In a separate context, Mr. Shivakumar said he had recently explained at a meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister in Chennai that the Mekedatu project would benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He added that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has since come forward for discussions. On the Tungabhadra issue, talks have been held with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Centre has also indicated it will formulate a new policy for desilting the Almatti and KRS reservoirs.

The Chief Minister also defended the state's guarantee schemes, stating that Karnataka spends ₹20,000 crore on free electricity for agricultural pump sets and ₹52,000 crore on the five guarantee schemes. He noted that while opposition parties initially criticised the schemes, other states later adopted similar models. He emphasised that a true leader fulfils promises, and his government has kept its word.