Q. With reference to Sandalwood, consider the following statements:
1. India contributes majority of Sandalwood trade in the world.
2. Sandalwood has anti-bacterial, anti-biotic & anti-cancer properties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Recently, Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj inaugurated a training program on Sandalwood Farming & Management of its health in association with the Institute of Wood Science & Technology (IWST), Bengaluru. The program is structured around the basics & benefits of Indian sandalwood, seed handling, nursery techniques & managing the health of the plant.
Statement 1 is correct: Globally, India & Australia are the largest growers of sandalwood, while the biggest markets lie in the United States, China, Japan & the Indian domestic market.
Sandalwood has been long associated with the Indian heritage & culture, as the country contributed 85% of the world’ sandalwood trade erstwhile. However, off late this has been declining at a fast rate.
Statement 2 is correct: With anti-bacterial, anti-biotic & anti-cancer benefits amongst others, sandalwood finds its uses in pharmaceuticals, personal care & furnitures.
Source: PIB
