Sandalwood Cultivation Shows Promise in Nagaland's Foothills

Scientists from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education have identified promising conditions for sandalwood cultivation in Nagaland's foothills. With favorable moisture and fertile soil, the region shows great potential for commercial farming of sandalwood and red sanders. Recent assessments conducted by a team of experts revealed satisfactory heartwood development in mature trees, indicating a positive outlook for cultivation. A coordination meeting with local authorities further explored these opportunities, highlighting the collaboration between the Nagaland government and ICFRE scientists. This article delves into the findings and future prospects of sandalwood farming in Nagaland.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 12:00 IST

Promising Prospects for Sandalwood in Nagaland

A team of scientists from the ICFRE-(IWST), Bengaluru; ICFRE-(IFB); and ICFRE-(RFRI), Jorhat, conducted field visits to various parts of Nagaland

Dimapur, Nov 12: Recent observations by scientists from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) indicate that the foothill regions of Nagaland are well-suited for sandalwood cultivation. The area's favorable moisture levels and rich soil create an ideal environment for the growth of this valuable tree species.

A research team from ICFRE's Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) in Bengaluru, along with the Institute of Forest Biodiversity (IFB) and the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) in Jorhat, conducted field assessments across various locations in Nagaland on Tuesday. Their focus was on evaluating the growth patterns of sandalwood, the development of heartwood in mature specimens, and the overall suitability of the local soil and climate.

On Wednesday, a coordination meeting was held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima, organized by the Nagaland Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department. The meeting was led by Y Kikheto Sema, the Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner of Nagaland.

The department is actively investigating the commercial potential for cultivating sandalwood and red sanders in collaboration with ICFRE scientists.

During the meeting, key findings were presented by Dr. Swapnendu Pattanaik, Director of IFB; Dr. BN Diwakara, Scientist-F at IWST; Dr. Satyam Bordoloi, Scientist-E at RFRI; and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prajapat, Scientist at RFRI. They shared their technical evaluations regarding the cultivation viability of sandalwood and red sanders in various regions of the state.

The scientists reported satisfactory heartwood development in mature trees, suggesting promising opportunities for cultivation. Additionally, they highlighted positive results from scientific studies conducted in nearby Diphu, Assam, which further support the region's potential for sandalwood farming.