A regenerated sapling of sal at the nursery in Gamharia. Telegraph Picture

Ranchi, Nov. 21: The state forest department claims to have, finally, cracked the code for artificial regeneration of sal (Shorea robusta), an indigenous plant species known to compliment biodiversity of a region.

According to researchers, a special branch-cutting method can be used to regrow and replant sal anywhere. “Growing sal through the branch-cutting method was never heard before. Our latest discovery is above all textbooks,” said A.K. Mishra, additional principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF), research and working plan.

It took three years to find the new method, but the technique adopted was simple.

“Seeds were subjected to special sowing conditions containing one part cow dung, one part sand and three parts of soil. Saplings came after three years. Then, we made several cuttings of various sizes. These were placed in polypots having same soil combination and then kept in mist chamber (controlled temperature) for 45 days for rootings. The success rate was over 70 per cent,” range officer Ajay Kumar said, adding that the experiment undertaken at the nursery at Gamharia now boasts six-feet sal ready for replantation.

Sal has had slow growth in the state and its success rate too has been retarded compared to other species such as sesame and sagwan. Reason: plantation was never taken up by the forest department since its inception even in undivided Bihar. “Sal seeds live for only two hours, which means if they are not sown in the soil within this time they die. The department never undertook sal plantation, as it was a risky proposition,” reasoned Premanad, the graft technician at the nursery.

Known for its medicinal value and cultural importance, Shorea robusta assumes immense importance in this tribal heartland. It primarily grows in Saranda, arguably Asia’s largest sal forest. But rampant illegal mining and industrialisation have taken a heavy toll in the last few years.

While the forest department doesn’t have the means to assess the loss in exact figures, officials admit depletion of sal cover. “The 1,100km Saranda forest is still a vast reserve of sal, but in areas like Latehar, Gumla and Dumka, the number of trees has decreased due to various reasons,” said Mishra.

What makes sal the most priced species is its capability to restore the natural biodiversity of a place. This means, unlike teak, sal doesn’t deter the growth of other species, but compliments their development. “Replanting sal will enhance the biodiversity of Jharkhand,” Mishra pointed out.

It has medicinal use too. “The resin is used in the indigenous genre of medicine as an astringent and detergent, and administered in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. Sal fruits are used to treat excessive salivation, epilepsy and chlorosis. The seeds can even reduced dental problems,” he added.

Shorea robusta can also be an income booster for indigenous tribes here. Its leaves are generally in demand for making platters, bowls and small baskets. Most importantly, it is a great source of fertiliser and the wood makes for good furniture. Besides, the tree has special significance in festivals, especially Adivasi weddings, where it is mandatory for the groom to sit at an altar made of the tree.