ICFRE scientists find encouraging prospects in foothill areas; government explores long-term cultivation policy
A scientific assessment by forestry research institutions has identified encouraging prospects for Sandalwood cultivation in Nagaland’s foothill areas, opening the possibility of developing the species as a high-value commercial plantation crop in the State.
The assessment, conducted by scientists from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), found favourable moisture conditions and fertile soil in the foothill areas, along with satisfactory heartwood development in mature Sandalwood trees. The findings are expected to inform the State government’s efforts to explore commercial cultivation of the species.
The findings were presented during a coordination meeting held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on November 11, chaired by Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner.
A team of scientists from ICFRE-Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru, ICFRE-Institute of Forest Biodiversity (IFB) and ICFRE-Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, had visited various areas of Nagaland on November 10 to assess the growth of Sandalwood and Red Sanders, heartwood development in mature trees, and the suitability of the State’s soil and climatic conditions.
During the meeting, Dr Swapnendu Pattanaik, Director, IFB; Dr BN Diwakara, Scientist-F, IWST; Dr Satyam Bordoloi, Scientist-E, RFRI; and Dr Rakesh Kumar Prajapat, Scientist, RFRI, presented their findings and technical assessments on the cultivation potential of the two species.
The scientists observed that the foothill areas offered favourable conditions for Sandalwood cultivation. They also reported satisfactory heartwood development in mature trees, an important factor in determining the species’ commercial potential. Scientific findings from adjoining areas of Diphu were also presented in support of the assessment.
However, the scientists emphasised that successful cultivation would depend on adherence to scientific practices, including the use of quality planting materials, appropriate spacing and suitable host plants. Sandalwood is a parasitic species that depends on host plants for its growth and survival.
Given its relatively long gestation period, they recommended that farmers consider planting Sandalwood on land unsuitable for other commercial crops, cautioning against committing limited agricultural land without understanding the requirements and investment involved.
The assessment of Red Sanders presented a more cautious picture. Although the trees showed impressive physical growth under Nagaland’s climatic conditions, heartwood development remained slow and had not attained the quality required for commercial purposes. The scientists therefore advised the department against making premature recommendations to farmers and called for further technical studies.
Following the presentations, Sema directed the department to organise training and awareness programs to familiarise farmers with scientific Sandalwood cultivation, develop appropriate schemes and work towards formulating a long-term policy for its cultivation and trade in the State.
Highlighting the potential of Sandalwood alongside other commercial crops such as coffee, rubber, agarwood and teak, Sema said commercial tree cultivation could generate employment opportunities in rural areas and contribute to strengthening Nagaland’s economy.
He stressed that farmers needed to understand the science behind long-gestation plantation crops before committing their limited land resources. He urged them to follow recommended cultivation practices and technical guidance provided by scientific institutions and the department to ensure ecologically sustainable and economically viable plantations.
Sema also cautioned farmers against exaggerated claims and false promises made by commercial nurseries, emphasising the importance of procuring quality planting materials and relying on scientifically validated information before undertaking commercial plantations.
