JONAI, Aug 4 � Far from the sylvan plains of south India including Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, sandalwood widely considered a �gold wood� has found its moorings in the hilly terrains of East Siang district and plain highlands of Assam-Arunachal boundary areas.
The horticulturists of the area are putting their attention on cultivating sandalwood after they become aware of the fact that the red sandy soil of undulating topography found in the region is suitable for growth of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album). The scientists engaged in supervision of sandalwood cultivation, have found the climatic condition of the region suitable for sandalwood cultivation.
Though the State government is not taking any initiative for growing of sandalwood in the landlocked state, yet two dozen commercial horticulturists have started cultivation on their own. A section of progressive farmers of Siang valley bordering Jonai subdivision have now shown interest in the cultivation of Indian sandalwood (white) thereby joining in the efforts towards creating an economic revolution.
An unemployed youth group of Dhemaji has developed a sandalwood nursery at Adi Leku village aside NH-52 near here. The nursery has been supplying adequate sandalwood seedling to the interested farmers of both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh at a subsidised rate. The members of the group trained in growing sandalwood, are now providing technical feedback to the interested growers.
Naba Gogoi, who is leading the nursery owner group, informed this correspondent that they have agreement with the commercial sandalwood suppliers. As such, the experts engaged by the group will supervise all plantation and growing activities, while the growers will be bound to supply their product (mature sandalwood) to the group for trading. The youth entrepreneurs are also eying a sandalwood-based industry in the region in the future.
�We are optimistic that sandalwood will take the economy of the region to a new high and it will give an address to the people of East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh. We have initially supplied one lakh seedlings targeting plantation coverage of around 500 bighas in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Assam this year�, Gogoi informed.
White sandalwood is one of the most valuable plants from the economic point of view. The tree matures within 12 to 15 years. The plant generally gives heartwood intact weighing not less than 25 kg at the age of harvesting, which is worth Rs 2 lakh. At present, the Government of Karnataka has fixed the value of sandalwood at Rs 7,200 per kg. The number of seedlings per bigha of land is 150 (space � 10 x 10 feet).
Sandalwood, commonly known as �Chandan� naturally grows in the forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The plant has special economic importance as its products are one of the finest perfumery materials since ages. Sandalwood oil, which has unique medicinal values, is also widely used for making detergents and cosmetics. The demand of �Srigandha obtained from sandalwood is increasing at a fast pace.
There are as many as 16 species of white sandalwood trees in the world and among all the Indian sandalwood is the most valuable one.