Launching project to plant 100 million sandalwood trees in the Central Highlands

(GLO)- On the afternoon of July 26, at the border commune of Ia Dom (Gia Lai province), Smartgap Holding Joint Stock Company coordinated with the People's Committee of Ia Dom commune to organize a workshop to deploy the project "Planting and developing, exploiting, and linking production according to the value chain of sandalwood trees in the Central Highlands".

The parties signed an agreement to implement the project “Planting and developing, exploiting, and linking production according to the value chain of sandalwood in the Central Highlands”. Photo: MV

Attending the workshop were representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Forestry Department of Gia Lai province, and leaders of the communes: Ia Dom, Ia Pnôn, Ia Dơk, Ia Krêl, Ia Nan, Duc Co and more than 120 households in the area.

Sandalwood originates from India and Australia and is known as “green gold” due to its high economic value. The wood, roots and essential oil of this tree are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and high-end industries. In particular, the climate and soil conditions of the Central Highlands are very suitable for growing this tree, opening up opportunities for local people to get rich.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan - General Director of Smartgap Holding Joint Stock Company - said: "We develop sandalwood according to a closed value chain model, from technology transfer, digital technology application to deep processing. The Le Thanh International Border Gate area was chosen as the implementation location due to its advantages in trade infrastructure, while contributing to stabilizing the livelihoods of ethnic minorities in the border area".

1 hectare of sandalwood, properly cared for, can bring in billions of dong in revenue. Photo: MV

The project of planting 100 million sandalwood trees not only aims at economic goals but also carries deep humanitarian meaning, through the message "One tree given - one life changed". The development of sandalwood will contribute to greening barren land, restoring ecosystems, creating sustainable livelihoods for people in remote areas.

According to Mr. Truong Thanh Ha - Deputy Head of the Gia Lai Provincial Forest Protection Department - 1 hectare of sandalwood, if properly cared for, can bring in billions of dong in revenue. This is an effective solution to reduce poverty, increase forest cover and contribute to maintaining security in border areas.

For the project to be effective, Mr. Tran Ngoc Phan - Secretary of the Party Committee of Ia Dom commune - said: "With a clear orientation and the support of businesses and farmers, the sandalwood planting project is expected to become a sustainable direction, harmoniously combining economic development and environmental protection for the Central Highlands."

The company donated sandalwood seedlings to farmers participating in the workshop. Photo: MV

On this occasion, the Company launched a project to plant 100 million sandalwood trees in the period of 2025-2030. This is considered an important initial step in forming a concentrated raw material area, building a value chain from cultivation to processing and export.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/phat-dong-du-an-trong-100-trieu-cay-dan-huong-tren-vung-tay-nguyen-post561821.html