The Ministry of Forestry has initiated investments in research aimed at integrating sandalwood into agroforestry systems within Fiji’s plantations. Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu highlighted the rising demand for sandalwood, particularly in Asian markets.
Over the past decade, the government has committed $1 million to support the revival of sandalwood cultivation as part of a national capital project. The ministry aims to enhance policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the sustainable management of sandalwood and encourage replanting efforts, ensuring a prosperous long-term industry.
Bainivalu noted an increasing interest in sandalwood cultivation over the last ten years, driven by its high value and positive market outlook. She reported to parliament that more than 132 hectares had been planted with sandalwood, totaling over 58,000 trees, with 31.4 hectares using an agroforestry approach alongside other timber and fruit trees.
Sandalwood can now be found growing in various communities and inhabited islands across Fiji. The ministry anticipates harvesting around 106 tonnes of sandalwood in the next five years, projecting an export value of approximately $10 million.
For the 2023-2024 financial year, an investment of $0.1 million was allocated to the Sandalwood Development Project, primarily to support consultations with growers in the Central, Western, and Northern divisions. A key focus is to establish a Sandalwood Growers Association to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Additionally, the ministry conducted sandalwood inventory assessments and set up demonstration plots using an agroforestry model.