All Karnataka Sandalwood and Forestry Growers’ Association president K. Amar Narayana, IAS officer (retd), has urged the Karnataka government to grant authority to the Horticulture Department to determine the scientific value of the sandalwood trees grown by farmers in their farms and plantations.
Currently, farmers need permission from the Forest Department to fell sandalwood trees and sell them to depots owned by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd. (KSDL) or other government agencies.
In a petition to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the association said that with declining availability of sandalwood, the mafia was largely involved in theft of trees and export to other countries for high values. It demanded transfer of powers from the Forest Department to the Horticulture Department on planting and selling of sandalwood, which would benefit farmers to grow more sandalwood in their fields.
Sources also said that alleged harassment of Forest Department officials with regard to felling of trees, transportation, and unscientific determination of the value of wood had forced the association to seek the intervention of the government.
The association also urged the government to provide licences to possess basic weapons of farmers to ensure their safety.
As availability of sandalwood was declining in Karnataka, KSDL has been promoting the “Grow More Sandalwood” initiative, which provides farmers with affordable saplings and a buy-back guarantee, which helps ensure a sustainable supply of sandalwood for the future.
KSDL, which is facing shortage of sandalwood oil essential for its flagship brand Mysore Sandal Soap, has tied up with farmers for commercial cultivation, largely in dry regions of north Karnataka, including Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Raichur, and Koppal to reduce its dependency on import of oil.
The company will supply saplings to farmers under the principle of “share-and-prosper” basis.
Published – March 31, 2025 07:34 pm IST
