Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 13 -- In a major policy shift, the Kerala Cabinet has approved a draft bill that will allow sandalwood trees grown on private land to be harvested and sold through the Forest Department, while also introducing provisions for compounding certain forest offences with the approval of courts.
Forest Minister A K Saseendran described the decision as "historic", saying it would directly benefit farmers and encourage fresh cultivation of sandalwood across the state. "At present, the market price of sandalwood ranges between Rs 4,000 and Rs 7,000 per kilogram, depending on quality. With this bill, landowners will get assured returns and the confidence to plant and protect sandalwood on their property," he said.
Under the...