The sandalwood industry in Fiji is on the brink of substantial expansion, as indicated by forecasts from Sanjana Lal, the acting permanent secretary of the Ministry of Forestry. Speaking during a recent Standing Committee on Natural Resources meeting to review the 2022-2023 Annual Report, Lal highlighted that the ministry is witnessing promising data from extensive sandalwood planting initiatives. A key development is the establishment of the Sandalwood Farmers Association, aimed at optimizing the sale and extraction of sandalwood oil, effectively reducing dependence on middlemen and enhancing financial returns for landowners.
Currently, sandalwood ranks as Fiji’s third-largest forestry product, following pine and mahogany. Over the last decade, significant advancements in research and development have improved growth techniques, making sandalwood a viable choice for integrated farming alongside crops like guava and moli. Lal pointed out the environmental advantages of sandalwood cultivation, especially its sustainable harvesting methods and ability to thrive in diverse agricultural conditions.
The Ministry of Forestry has been proactive in supporting sandalwood cultivation, having planted over 141,511 trees across more than 353 hectares by 2021. From 2010 to 2022, Fiji exported approximately 154,172 kilograms of sandalwood, bringing in around 12.3 million Fijian dollars and accessing markets in regions such as Dubai, Hong Kong, China, Australia, and Taiwan. Looking ahead, the ministry expects to harvest around 106 tonnes of sandalwood over the next five years, with an anticipated export value of about 10 million dollars.
These initiatives are in line with previous efforts, such as implementing regulations for sustainable management and promoting replanting within the sandalwood sector, demonstrating the government’s dedication to reinforcing this essential industry. With such comprehensive measures in place, the outlook for Fiji’s sandalwood market appears promising, offering significant benefits for farmers while promoting sustainable practices.
This commitment to fostering the sandalwood industry not only suggests economic growth but also signifies a broader strategy of integrating agriculture and forestry, positioning Fiji for a brighter agricultural future.
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