Mysore/Mysuru: Former Secretary of Forest Department and retired IFS Officer A.C. Lakshmana, has urged the Government to take steps to provide security to sandalwood plantations to facilitate more number of farmers to take up cultivation of the most   valuable wood.

Expressing concerns over how the farmers have been losing the precious wood to the thieves, who have been striking the farms ahead of the harvest season, Lakshmana insisted on devising security measures at the earliest, either at its own level or seek the expertise of individuals or                                                     private companies.

A cash prize of Rs. 50 lakh should be announced to those who devise the security cover for sandalwood, he added.

Pay farmers

Lakshmana explained that, to encourage more farmers to involve in sandalwood farming, the Government should pay the farmers at least 33% of the stipulated amount within 24 hours of receiving the wood upon harvest. The remaining amount should be paid in 12 months and in case of any delay in payment, 12% interest amount should be paid along with the amount.

Other demands

Every year, Rs. 250 crore should be set aside for sandalwood research, extension and insurance cover, he said, urging the Government to introduce these reformative steps at the earliest.

Encourage cultivation

 Krishi Aranya Protsaha Yojane (Agriculture Forest Incentive Scheme) was ambitiously launched by the Ministers and Officers of Forest Department. However, Sandalwood cultivation should be encouraged, with  more incentives.

He appealed to the authorities concerned to defer any programme organised to felicitate the farmers, until security for sandalwood cultivation is implemented. Or else, the possibility of thieves cutting down sandalwood trees grown with much effort for 15 years cannot be ignored.