Miyawaki Forests

Miyawaki Forests

News: In the latest edition of Mann ki Baat, PM Modi gave the example of a Kerala-based teacher, Raafi Ramnath, who used the Miyawaki technique to transform a barren land into a mini forest.

What is the Miyawaki plantation method?
• Named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method involves planting two to four different types of indigenous trees within every square metre. In this method, the trees become self-sustaining and they grow to their
full length within three years.
• The methodology was developed in the 1970s, with the basic objective to densify green cover within a small parcel of land.
• The plants used in the Miyawaki method are mostly self-sustaining and don’t require regular maintenance like manuring and watering.

How is it useful?
• The dense green cover of indigenous trees plays a key role in absorbing the dust particles of the area where the garden has been set up. The plants also help in regulating surface temperature.
• Some of the common indigenous plants that are used for these forests include Anjan, Amala, Bel, Arjun and Gunj.
• They regulate carbon levels, encourage new biodiversity and an ecosystem is developed around it, which in turn increases the fertility of the soil and regulates surface temperature.
Source – The Indian Express