Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to evaluate the technical definitions of "fast-growing tree species" used in silviculture and forest policy.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Height Growth (Statement I): In the context of "fast-growing" species (especially in tropical regions like India), a height increment of only 60 cm per year is actually considered slow to moderate. Most fast-growing species used in plantations (like Eucalyptus, Populus, or Leucaena) easily attain height increments of 1.5 to 3 meters per year in their early stages. Therefore, Statement I is technically incorrect.
• Volume Increment (Statement II): The most widely accepted international and national definition of a "fast-growing" species relates to its wood volume production. A species is classified as fast-growing if its Mean Annual Increment (MAI) is at least 10 cubic meters per hectare per year (10 m$^3$ha$^{-1}$year$^{-1}$). This is the standard threshold used by FAO and Indian forestry institutions. Some "very fast-growing" species can exceed 30-40 m$^3$ha$^{-1}$year$^{-1}$. Thus, Statement II is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is false because 60cm/year is too low for a "fast-growing" classification. Statement II correctly identifies the volume-based MAI threshold.