Kerala Forest Ministry to Legalize Sandalwood Trade on Private Lands

Kerala's Forest Minister A K Saseendran announced plans for legislation enabling the Forest Department to harvest and sell sandalwood from private lands. A crore sandalwood saplings will be planted across the state and a comprehensive forest policy developed. Education and awareness initiatives will involve 100 colleges as knowledge partners.

Kerala's Forest Minister A K Saseendran declared the government's intention to pass a law that allows the Forest Department to manage sandalwood harvesting on private property. This announcement came during the State-level Wildlife Week at Sree Narayana Guru College, Chelannur.

The proposed legislation aims to provide farmers with an additional income source through sandalwood cultivation, with legislative actions anticipated to begin within a year. The initiative includes planting one crore saplings statewide and ensuring full sale value benefits to the farmers.

Minister Saseendran also detailed plans for a comprehensive forest policy and collaboration with 100 state colleges as 'Knowledge Partner Institutions' for research and education in forestry and wildlife. The event featured the district launch of a 'tree banking' scheme and awards for environmental projects, wrapping up with a wildlife quiz.