Bengaluru Rural MP bats for national sandalwood board to aid growers

The proposal by the Bengaluru Rural MP for a national sandalwood board is a significant development that touches upon India's rich agricultural heritage, economic potential, and environmental conservation efforts. To truly grasp its importance for competitive exams, one must delve into the intricate history and policy landscape surrounding sandalwood.

Historically, sandalwood (Santalum album) has been an integral part of India's cultural and economic fabric. Native to the country, it was once abundant, particularly in the Deccan plateau states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Its high value stems from its aromatic heartwood, used in perfumes, cosmetics, traditional medicine (Ayurveda), religious rituals, and exquisite handicrafts. For centuries, it was considered a 'royal tree' or 'reserved tree,' with its ownership and trade strictly controlled by the state. The erstwhile Mysore State, for instance, maintained a near-monopoly on sandalwood, leading to significant revenue generation. However, rampant overexploitation, illicit felling, and smuggling, particularly from the late 20th century onwards, led to a drastic decline in natural sandalwood populations. This depletion was exacerbated by the long gestation period of the tree (15-20 years to yield heartwood) and complex, restrictive forest laws.

What happened is that an MP from Bengaluru Rural constituency has advocated for the establishment of a national sandalwood board. While the specific details of the proposal are not yet public, the core objective is clear: to aid sandalwood growers. This suggests a policy shift towards promoting cultivation, streamlining market access, and potentially providing support mechanisms for farmers who undertake this valuable, yet challenging, crop. The intent is likely to replicate the success of other commodity boards in India, such as the Coffee Board or Tea Board, which focus on research, development, quality control, and market promotion.

Key stakeholders involved in this initiative would primarily be the **sandalwood growers** themselves, who are often small and marginal farmers. They face challenges ranging from initial investment and long waiting periods to security concerns (due to the high value of the wood) and difficulties in felling and selling their produce legally. The **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)** and state forest departments are crucial, as forests and forest products fall under their purview. The **Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare** would also play a role in integrating sandalwood cultivation into broader agricultural strategies. **Industry players** (perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts) are vital consumers who seek a stable and legal supply. Finally, **research institutions and scientists** are essential for developing improved varieties, sustainable cultivation practices, and pest/disease management.

This proposal matters significantly for India on multiple fronts. **Economically**, it could rejuvenate a high-value agricultural sector, boost rural incomes, and contribute to export earnings. India was once a major exporter of sandalwood oil and wood, a position largely lost due to supply shortages. A national board could help India regain its competitive edge. **Environmentally**, promoting organized cultivation through agroforestry models can lead to reforestation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with India's climate commitments. **Socially**, it offers a sustainable livelihood option for farmers, particularly in drought-prone regions where sandalwood can thrive. From a **governance perspective**, it signifies a potential move towards creating a more supportive and less restrictive regulatory environment for a valuable forest product, balancing conservation with commercial utilization.

Historically, the stringent laws governing sandalwood, particularly state-specific forest acts like the **Karnataka Forest Act, 1963**, and the **Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882**, declared sandalwood as 'government property' regardless of where it grew. This discouraged private cultivation. However, recognizing the need to revive the sector, several states, including Karnataka (in 2001) and later others, liberalized rules, allowing private individuals to cultivate sandalwood on their land. The **Forest (Amendment) Act, 2017**, further streamlined this by exempting 'trees grown in homestead or on land not forming part of forest' from the definition of 'tree' under the Act, making it easier for farmers to fell and transport cultivated trees (though specific state rules for sandalwood still apply). This historical shift from state monopoly to private cultivation, albeit with lingering restrictions, forms the background for the current proposal.

From a constitutional standpoint, **Forests** fall under the **Concurrent List (Entry 17A of the Seventh Schedule)**, meaning both the Union and State governments can legislate on the matter. This enables the Centre to establish a national board while states continue to regulate local cultivation and trade. **Agriculture (Entry 14 of the State List)** is primarily a state subject, but central interventions like commodity boards often provide crucial support. The proposal aligns with **Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy)**, which mandates the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife, and **Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties)**, which calls upon citizens to protect and improve the natural environment. The **National Forest Policy, 1988**, also emphasizes sustainable forest management and meeting the needs of local communities.

The future implications of establishing a national sandalwood board are substantial. It could lead to increased investment in sandalwood cultivation, better access to quality saplings, research into disease-resistant varieties, and more efficient market linkages. A well-regulated board could also help combat illegal trade by establishing transparent procurement and sale mechanisms. It would require a delicate balance between promoting commercial interests and ensuring the long-term ecological sustainability of this precious species. The success would hinge on effective coordination between central and state governments, active participation from growers, and robust regulatory frameworks that prevent exploitation while incentivizing growth.