Eucalyptus agroforestry system in Chittagong: socio-economic potentiality amid controversies

<p>The study aimed to uncover the socio-economic potentialities of Eucalyptus of existing prominent agroforestry<br>systems in the rural landscape of Sitakunda and Mirsharai upazila of Chittagong district. Data were collected<br>from 90 agroforestry practitioners irrespective of age, sex and occupation following a semi-structured<br>questionnaire and 30 experimental plots were taken from three different agroforestry systems viz. homegardens,<br>boundary of the crop field and on fallow lands, where farmers used to cultivate Eucalyptus as a component of<br>agroforestry. To determine trends toward planting Eucalyptus, homegardens were categorized into three age<br>group viz. ˂15 year, 15-30 year, ˃30 year. Considering age group of the homegardens, significant difference is<br>prevailed among three types of homegarden. Average MAI of Eucalyptus in homegarden, crop field boundary and<br>fallow land were 10.681m3h-1yr-1, 48.618m3h-1yr-1 and 45.181m3h-1yr-1 at an average age of 8.9 year, 6 year and 6.3<br>year respectively. Farmers are aware with the present controversies of Eucalyptus which is disclosing through<br>mass media. All agroforestry practitioners believed that Eucalyptus is responsible for reducing agricultural crop<br>production and it is applicable for other trees also. However, they are still planting Eucalyptus ignoring the<br>controversies as it does not require intensive technical input and management.