States » EastPosted at: Nov 11 2026 11:42PM


ICFRE scientists see Sandalwood cultivation potential in Nagaland

Dimapur, Nov 11 (UNI) Scientists from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have found that Nagaland's foothill areas, with favourable moisture conditions and fertile soil, offer encouraging prospects for Sandalwood cultivation.
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, conducted field visits to various areas of Nagaland on November 10 to assess the growth of the two tree species, heartwood development in mature trees and the suitability of the state’s soil and climatic conditions.
The Nagaland environment, forests and climate change department held a coordination meeting with the scientists at the Nagaland civil secretariat in Kohima on Wednesday. Y Kikheto Sema, principal secretary and development commissioner, Nagaland, chaired the meeting.
The department is exploring the potential for commercial cultivation of Sandalwood and Red Sanders in the state in collaboration with scientists from the ICFRE.
During the meeting, Dr Swapnendu Pattanaik, director, IFB, Dr BN Diwakara, scientist-F, IWST, Bengaluru, Dr Satyam Bordoloi, scientist-E, RFRI, and Dr Rakesh Kumar Prajapat, scientist, RFRI, presented their findings and shared technical assessments on the cultivation potential of Sandalwood and Red Sanders in different parts of the state.
They said heartwood development in mature trees was also found to be satisfactory, indicating good potential for its cultivation.
Positive findings from scientific studies in adjoining areas of Diphu in Assam were also presented in support of the assessment.
However, the scientists emphasised the need for scientific cultivation practices, including the use of quality planting materials, appropriate spacing and suitable host plants, as Sandalwood is a parasitic species that depends on host plants for its growth and survival.
Considering its relatively long gestation period, they recommended cultivating Sandalwood on land that is not suitable for other commercial crops.
On Red Sanders, the scientists observed that although the physical growth of the trees is impressive under Nagaland’s climatic conditions, heartwood development remains slow and has not attained the quality required for commercial purposes.
They advised the department to exercise caution while recommending the species to farmers and suggested further technical studies. UNI BHG NST
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