Bengaluru, May 8: In a significant move to promote sandalwood cultivation, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the government’s esteemed producer of Mysore sandal soap, has initiated a campaign to curb sandalwood theft. This announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, M.B. Patil.
Under this initiative, farmers, scientists, and organizations with knowledge of advanced tools or innovative technologies to prevent sandalwood theft are invited to contact KSDL and share their insights. They will also have the opportunity to demonstrate such technologies to the organization.
The minister stated that if the proposed solutions are found suitable and effective, steps will be taken for consideration and implementation.
Patil noted that the costs associated with implementing the technologies aimed at preventing sandalwood theft will be covered by KSDL.
To encourage sandalwood cultivation, KSDL will honor four farmers who supply the highest quantity of sandalwood on June 4, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the former Maharaja of Mysore, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.
Additionally, the minister mentioned that police officers and forest officials who have made significant progress in apprehending sandalwood thieves and filing cases, along with citizens providing reliable information, will also be recognized and rewarded during this event.
Patil highlighted that farmers engaged in sandalwood cultivation have faced increasing threats of theft in recent years. Illegal felling and smuggling of sandalwood have persisted for decades. He emphasized that while stringent laws are in place to curb such activities, the number of convictions remains low.
He further stated that it is the organization’s responsibility to provide legal and technical assistance to farmers and encourage them to cultivate sandalwood on a larger scale.
In the past three years, KSDL has directly purchased 174.5 metric tons of sandalwood from farmers across the state, transferring ₹6.08 crore into their accounts.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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