TN to raise sandalwood plantation in traditional growing areas

Tamil Nadu Forest Department would raise sandalwood plantations in traditional growing areas in various parts of the state, the Assembly was informed today.
Forest Minister M S M Anandan said government would raise sandalwood plantations naturally in the traditional growing areas of Vellore, Salem, Erode, Dharmapuri and Tiruchirappalli regions at a cost of Rs five crore during 2014-15.
The government would spend Rs 4.8 crore to establish central plant nurseries in district forest extension centres, attempting to source quality plant saplings for the general public, he said.
The administration would plant pulp trees over 4,000 hectare at a cost of Rs 11.35 crore and cashew plantation over 1,000 hectare at Rs 2.52 crore in Tiruchirappalli region, he said.

It would also fund Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation for the welfare of tea workers, improve infrastructure of the Corporation and modernise its factories, the Minister added.