Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus hybrid are the two most widely planted eucalypts in India. The species have spread to most parts of the country, primarily because of their versatile nature and its amenability for harvesting in short rotations. Despite the unclear situation regarding requirement of water, particularly in the semiarid areas, eucalypt has commercial acceptability, and is being grown for various purposes.

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Fuel: Eucalypt was not considered a good firewood and timber species. This is being disproved. Due to the shortage of miscellaneous species, people have found that eucalypt is a very good substitute for firewood because of its calorific value and moderate burning qualities. In firewood depots in semi urban and urban areas it is finding preference over other species. In Mysore in Karnataka two decades ago the only firewood was that of Anogeissus latifolia which is one of the important fuelwood species found in the natural forests. The Forest Department raised captive plantations of eucalypt catering to the needs of the city in view of the dwindling natural resources. Today 90% of the firewood used in Mysore is from eucalypt. In the rural area, the lops and tops (at times even leaves alone) are used by the people as fuel.

Charcoal: Eucalypt gives good charcoal. Wherever farm forestry has flourished, eucalypt wood is used for charcoal manufacture to meet the semi-urban and urban demand.

Poles: Eucalypt poles are good for transmission purposes and are also used in construction of dwelling houses, work sheds, and in mines. Eucalypt poles have good demand near cities for use as scaffolding material. Eucalypt sold in the form of poles have price preference over firewood.

Timber: Earlier, eucalypt wood was not considered a good timber. The quality of the timber depends upon the species and edapho-climatic factors. Considering the cost of eucalypt timber, it is found to be quite economical to use in low-cost houses; as mine timber, and for other construction purposes. It is also being used as furniture wood.

Rural small scale industries: Rural small scale industries are developing fast in the country-side, important ones among them being brick making, jaggery making, pottery, tile manufacturing, lime production, dyeing, smithy, etc. All these industries require firewood or charcoal, provided by eucalypt plantations. They earlier depended on firewood from natural forests, which is no longer available. In a few locations, because of the plantations, industries have flourished eg the Kolar District of Karnataka.

Honey and oil: Several eucalypt species are rich in nectar and pollen. Beekeeping is profitable and this activity is improving. Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and E. citriodora are used for the extraction of oil. It is a cottage industry providing employment in some parts of India.

Paper and pulp: One of the most important uses of eucalypt wood so far has been in the paper and pulp industry. The demand for paper and pulp is going to increase manyfold in India and eucalypt, being one of the good pulpwood materials, will be in continuing demand.

Reference : Eucalyptus in India – R.M. Palanna