Fast Growing Melia Dubia (Malabar Neem) Farming with Sri Sai Forestry

Melia Dubia, commonly known as Malabar Neem, is a tropical deciduous tree famous for its incredibly fast growth, especially under proper irrigation. At Sri Sai Forestry, we specialize in providing high-quality Melia Dubia seedlings and expert guidance to help you establish a profitable plantation.

As a softwood species, Melia Dubia thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and grows tall with minimal side branching — making it ideal for intercropping with crops like groundnuts, grams, banana trees, or coconut trees. By maintaining a spacing of 15×15 feet between trees, farmers can maximize both timber and intercrop yields.

Why Choose Melia Dubia Farming with Sri Sai Forestry?

• Low Maintenance Costs:
  Cultivating Melia Dubia is more affordable compared to other timber trees.

• High Commercial Value:
  Its fast growth and quality wood make it ideal for the plywood, paper, and construction industries.

• Intercropping Opportunities:
  The sparse canopy allows enough light for secondary crops.

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Germinating Melia Dubia Seeds

One major challenge in Melia Dubia farming is the low natural germination rate due to its hard seed coat. At Sri Sai Forestry, we recommend a proven method:

• Partially decompose the seeds by placing them in a cow dung heap (5 kg dung for 2 kg seeds), moistened and shaded for about 2 months.

• Afterward, the softened seeds can be peeled to reveal the kernel, resembling sunflower seeds, ready for germination.

Seedling Preparation

• Mix red soil with fine sand in a well-prepared seedbed.

• Dibble the seeds and irrigate twice daily (morning and evening).

• Cover the seedbed with plastic sheets to maintain moisture.

• Germination typically occurs within 3 months, with the best sowing season being March-April.

Once the seedlings develop their second leaves, transplant them into polyethylene bags (15×8 cm) filled with red soil, fine sand, and organic manure. In just 30 days, seedlings can grow up to 60 cm (2 feet) and are ready for field planting.

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Plantation of Melia Dubia Saplings

At Sri Sai Forestry, we recommend the following best practices:

1. Pit Preparation:

   • Dig 2×2 ft pits and add 2–3 kg of organic farmyard manure.

   • After 10 days, add beneficial bio-fertilizers like Phospho bacteria, Azospirillum, Trichoderma Viride, Pseudomonas, and VAM.

2. Planting:

   • Use support poles for tall saplings.

   • Ideal planting time: Early monsoon or during monsoon with minimal irrigation or drip irrigation for the first two years.

3. Spacing Guidelines:

   • 3.5m × 3.5m for better girth growth.

   • 2×2m spacing for pulp and plywood.

   • 5×4.5m for furniture-grade wood.

   • 6×6m for construction timber.

With proper care, saplings grow 1.2–1.8 meters (4–6 feet) within 4–8 months. Light irrigation every 7–8 days is essential without overwatering.

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Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning promotes straight, cylindrical boles and higher-quality wood:

• Start pruning side branches once trees reach 2–4 meters (6–12 feet).

• Prune every 15 days to channel energy into trunk growth.

Growth Timeline with Sri Sai Forestry:

• 2 Years: Trees can reach 20 feet in height.

• 3–4 Years: Ready for pulp and paper industries.

• 5–7 Years: Suitable for plywood production.

• 7–15 Years: Mature enough for construction-grade timber.

At Sri Sai Forestry, we support you at every stage — from high-quality seedling supply to complete plantation management advice.

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🌿 Ready to start your profitable Melia Dubia plantation journey?

Contact Sri Sai Forestry today for premium seedlings, expert consultation, and end-to-end farming support!