HOWRAGHAT, July 3 � The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has taken up a plan to plant sandalwood trees in the entire district.
Giving importance to the present value and use of the Santalum album (Chandan), the KAAC with the support of the Forest and Environment Department has adopted a strategic effort to bring awareness among the common people and students on the valuable timber plant.
Interestingly, it may be noted here that for the first time altogether 10,000 sandalwood saplings were distributed among the students during the felicitation programme of meritorious students held at Borkok ME School under Hamren subdivision in West Karbi Anglong on Sunday.
Joy Ram Engleng, Chief Executive Member (CEM), KAAC felicitated the meritorious students of the HSLC and Higher Secondary examinations with the precious sandalwood saplings.
In his short speech, KAAC CEM, Engleng urged students to take a proactive role in their educational careers. Highlighting the various qualities and demands of sandalwood, he said that sandalwood and its products are one of the finest perfumery materials since ages. The demand for the natural �srigandha� is increasing faster than the supply only because of scarcity. The price and demands of the �chandan� plants are on the rise for its various use and quality of oil and heart wood. Hence by planting sandalwood, people would be able to earn lakhs of money within a very short time, Engleng added.
Addressing the students and general public in the felicitation programme, Engleng said that KAAC has taken up plans to germinate available sandalwood saplings at Diphu Recreation Park and sandalwood plantation has been taken up as horticulture crop in Karbi Anglong so that people of Karbi Anglong can obtain maximum benefit from the plants.
RK Borua, Ranger, Recreation Park, Diphu, also highlighted on the method of sandalwood cultivation and profits from it. Borua said that the present market price of sandalwood is 7000 to 8000 per kilogram and one farmer may earn about Rs 1.50 lakh from a single sandalwood tree within 10 to 12 years. Hence, people should give more importance on the sandalwood plantation crop.
Lipson Bey, chairman, Central Medical Board, Bijay Teron, president, District Congress Youth Committee and PK Das, senior supply inspector took part in the felicitatory programme.