Why sandalwood smells sweet for thieves

‘A kg of sandalwood costs between Rs. 5,800 and Rs. 6,000 in the market’

The theft of a 15-year-old sandalwood tree in Lalbagh is one of the many attempts that have been made by miscreants.

Manufacturers say that the demand for sandalwood has always been high in the State, which is one of the largest producers of sandalwood.

A Forest Department official said that a sandalwood tree must be at least 40 to 50 years old for it to yield good wood as well as sandalwood oil. According to the official, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the largest producers of sandalwood. Apart from the department receiving sandalwood from government land and private growers, sandalwood which is stolen and recovered is also handed over to the forest officials. The sandalwood is later auctioned in Mysore Koti, Shimoga and Dharwad, he said.

Managing Director of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) Keshava Murthy said the cost of one kg of sandalwood ranges between Rs. 5,800 and Rs. 6,000 in the market, while the heartwood (inner portion of the tree) is the most valuable.

Sandalwood oil

Sandalwood oil is expensive and the cost of one litre is approximately Rs. 1 lakh and above, depending on the quality of the oil.

“If the tree has matured and is above 40 years, then the oil quality can be expected to be better. If it is less than 20 years or so, only crude oil is obtained during the distillation process,” Mr. Murthy said.

Climatic conditions

The quality of oil also varies from the part of the tree from which it is procured. Consequently, the prices vary. He also added that the climatic conditions of the areas where the trees are grown have a tremendous impact on the quality of the tree and its products. Regions like Tumkur, Hassan and Chikmagalur are ideal for growing sandalwood and will yield very good products, Mr. Murthy said.

The KSDL has been continuing its tie-up with the Forest Department to promote the growth of sandalwood trees in the State.

In a year, the KSDL tried to plant two to five lakh sandalwood saplings in their nursery. The company also sells saplings at the rate of Rs. 12 and Rs. 15 each to farmers.