Daikundi residents turn to growing Paulownia trees

NEILI (Pajhwok): The residents of central Daikundi province have turned to growing Paulownia trees as its wood is used in various industries and its leaves in some medicines.

Agriculture companies in Daikundi say Paulownia tree wood is used in making furniture, cabinets, boxes, toys, plywood, musical instruments, housing construction, for packaging and paper.

Mohammad Aziz, the head of Insaf Agricultural Company in Daikundi, said many farmers planted Paulownia trees this year and his firm alone sold 4,000 seedlings to farmers.

He added Daikund environment suited Paulownia trees which grew fast. “This tree needs sufficient water in the beginning, but gradually its water need decreases”.

He said the wood of Paulownia was widely used in various industries and had good income. Its wood is used in ships and airplanes due to its light weight and resistance, he adds.

He also explained that the leaves of Paulownia tree were useful in treating liver, spleen and some other diseases.

He said that Paulownia wood had a unique quality and was used in making all kinds of musical instruments, sports equipment, match boxes and others.

Hanif, another employee of Insaf Agricultural Company, said Paulownia trees were promoted for the first time in Daikandi this year and many people bought its seedlings for planting.

He said Daikundi residents started growing the tree after knowing its benefits. He said Paulownia tree was widely cultivated in other countries and was major of source of income for farmers.

He explained Paulownia tree begins to sprout three months after sowing and grows up to 15 meters in four years.

He said other wood used in construction of houses in Daikandi did not last long and got destroyed after a few years, but Paulownia wood lasted long for its good resistance.

Nasir, a farmer, told Pajhwok after hearing about Paulownia benefits, he bought some seedlings and planted them in his fields.

He said most agricultural products of Daikundi province were less profitable than the labor they required. He hoped farmers’ economy would grow after turning to cultivation of Paulownia trees.

But Daikundi Agriculture Department officials expressed unawareness about people’s increased interest in growing Paulownia trees in the province, saying no one had shared the matter with them.

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock director Sher Ahmad Rafi said no organization or individual had approached them for planting and promotion of Paulownia trees.

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