Kohima: Nagaland’s foothill regions show real promise for sandalwood farming. Soil and moisture conditions are right. Scientists from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) delivered this assessment at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on November 11. They spent November 10 inspecting tree growth and heartwood development across the state.
The study team included experts from the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bengaluru, the Institute of Forest Biodiversity, and the Rain Forest Research Institute in Jorhat. Dr. Swapnendu Pattanaik, Dr. B.N. Diwakara, Dr. Satyam Bordoloi, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prajapat presented the technical data. They pointed to positive results in mature trees and cited similar growth success in nearby Diphu.
Sandalwood is a parasitic species. It requires specific host plants, precise spacing, and top-tier planting materials to thrive. Experts warned that the long growth cycle makes this a difficult prospect. "Given its long gestation period, they recommended cultivating it on land unsuitable for other commercial crops," the report stated.
Red sanders proved less straightforward. While the trees grew well, the inner heartwood development remained too slow for market standards. Scientists urged farmers to exercise caution and wait for more studies before planting at scale. Y. Kikheto Sema, the Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, told his department to launch training programs. He wants a long-term policy for state trade.
Sema believes tree crops like agarwood, teak, coffee, and rubber can boost rural jobs. Still, he warned farmers about commercial nurseries. Avoid false promises. Stick to scientific guidance to ensure economic and ecological survival. Farmers must understand the full time commitment before they plant anything.
Updated at 12th November 2026 at 9:47am
The state Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department is officially collaborating with ICFRE to test the viability of these crops. Officials held the coordination meeting to map out a path for potential commercial expansion.
Regarding red sanders, the team specifically flagged that the wood has not yet hit the quality threshold for market trade. They advised the department to hold off on pushing the crop to farmers until further technical studies confirm it can actually turn a profit.
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