Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has come up with a new technology of propagating sandalwood seedlings from its fruit as a way of reviving the almost extinct tree in Kenya.
Joram Kagombe, Kefri's Deputy Regional Director said that they are so keen on reviving this tree and that is why they have refined technologies for propagating the species through seeds and marcots as a way of making them readily available.
“Sandalwood is a high-value tree but it is threatened by over-exploitation. Initially, people used to propagate seedlings from mature trees but with the current situation only a few trees have been left and that is why we decided to come up with a new technology,” he said.
He added that if Kiambu farmers can embrace sandalwood farming they will not only shield this tree from extinction but also they will get a new revenue resource as there is a ready market for sandalwood products locally and internationally.
“One can plant sandalwood to sell seed, seedlings and wood for sustainable oil production. We would like to urge farmers to embrace sandalwood farming to shield the 'golden' tree from extinction besides giving them a new source of revenue,” he said.
Though the tree takes 20 years to mature a kilo of sandalwood seed can fetch up to Sh15,000 while its seedling fetches Sh300 each and a litre of oil goes for more than Sh100,000 with one hectare yielding up to 50 litres of oil.
Sandalwood is poached for export to rich markets in Asia and Europe. Trade in sandalwood is illegal in Kenya and in countries that are signatories to the Conventional Trade in Endangered Species of world fauna and flora. The Sandalwood business was declared illegal in Kenya following a Presidential ban in February 2007.
Oil from sandalwood is used in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines in pharmaceutical industries in India, Indonesia, France, Germany, among other countries.