Melia Dubia Farming in India 2026
Fast growing plywood and pulpwood tree with a relatively quick 4 to 7 year rotation.
Overview
Melia dubia, also called Malabar neem or Malai vembu, is one of the fastest growing timber trees in India and a favourite for agroforestry because of its short rotation. It supplies the plywood, packing case, MDF, particle board and pulp industries, which gives a relatively quick and reliable market compared with slow growing hardwoods. Depending on use and management, it can be harvested in about 4 to 7 years, much faster than teak or sandalwood, making it attractive for farmers who cannot wait decades. Returns depend on wood volume, girth and current plywood and pulp prices, which fluctuate, so plan with realistic figures. It does best on fertile, well drained land with irrigation in dry areas. With good clones, spacing and care, Melia dubia is one of the more practical commercial timber options for medium-term income.
Climate
Warm tropical to subtropical climate, 600 to 2000 mm rainfall, temperatures around 10 to 40 degrees Celsius. Adapts to many regions of India and grows fast in warm conditions with enough moisture.
Soil
Prefers deep, fertile, well drained loamy soils, pH 6.0 to 7.5, but tolerates a range of soils. Avoid waterlogging and very saline or shallow soils. Good moisture greatly improves growth rate.
Planting & Spacing
Spacing depends on the end product. For timber and plywood, about 10 ft x 10 ft gives roughly 435 trees per acre or 12 ft x 12 ft about 300 per acre, while tighter pulpwood spacing such as 6 ft x 8 ft can give around 900 per acre. Plant healthy clonal or quality seedlings at the start of the monsoon.
Varieties
Improved clonal and selected seedlings give faster, more uniform growth than ordinary seed, which matters a lot for a short rotation crop. Source from reputed nurseries or research institutions for proven planting material.
Care & Management
Irrigate well in dry areas especially in the first two years, apply balanced fertiliser, weed regularly and prune lower branches for straight clear boles. Good early care strongly raises growth and final volume, which directly affects income.
Pests & Diseases
Generally hardy, but watch for defoliating caterpillars, leaf eating insects and root rot in waterlogged soil. Young plants may need protection from grazing. Good drainage and field hygiene keep most problems low.
Yield & Harvest
Harvest is possible in about 4 to 6 years for plywood and pulpwood, sometimes up to 7 for larger timber. Wood is sold by volume or weight; quoted prices have ranged around Rs 450 to Rs 600 per cubic foot for timber and roughly Rs 5000 to Rs 7500 per tonne for pulpwood, but rates vary by market and quality.
Cost & Profit
The short rotation makes Melia dubia attractive, but returns still depend on growth, volume, end use and current plywood and pulp prices. Some marketing claims promise lakhs in a few years; treat such figures cautiously and budget for irrigation, care and possible price swings.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Strong demand from plywood, MDF, particle board, packing case and pulp and paper industries. Many mills buy Melia dubia directly or through agents, giving a fairly reliable market. Check buyer rates and transport distance before planting at scale.
Subsidy & Support
Melia dubia is a recognised agroforestry species and can be supported under the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), which offers up to 50 percent assistance for quality planting material in states with relaxed transit rules. Many states keep fast growing species like Melia dubia exempt from transit permits, but confirm current rules locally before harvest.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How fast does Melia dubia grow compared to teak?
What is Melia dubia wood used for?
How many Melia dubia plants fit in one acre?
Does Melia dubia need irrigation?
Are the high profit claims for Melia dubia realistic?
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