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INDIAN SANDALWOOD
PRODUCT DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
INDIAN SANDALWOO D
2011
CORPORATE DIRECTORY
Plantation Promoter & Manager Siri Agri Group
Siri Agri Group Door # 22/7, GF Saptagiri Nilayam, Kothapet, Hyderabad 500 035
Important Notices
Electronic Product Disclosure Document
This PDD will be available for download on the following website: www.8am.in. Any person accessing the electronic version of this PDD for the purpose of investing must be an Indian resident.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about investing you should speak to your adviser. If you have questions about the Project investment in particular, call us on 040-64640606 or visit our website www.8am.in.
Photographs
Unless otherwise stated, the photographs contained in this PDD are for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent, or purport to represent assets of the Siri Agri Group or the Project Manager.
Siri Agri Group engages a team of Experts to carefully select land suited for the growth of Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album).
CONTENTS
An overview of Indian Sandalwood Why Indian Sandalwood? The Sandalwood Market Supply and Demand What do we propose? Project Details Indian Sandalwood Plantation Project Returns Key Investment Features Risks and Safeguards Investment Options 6 7 9 13 17 21 22 23 24 29
AKSHAYA VANAM 2011
An Ethical Investment 34 The Environment and Community The Siri Agri Group Plantation Management Expert Sandalwood Marketing Report 37 37 41
demand. Indian Sandalwood Cultivation in India area has reduced from 5,400 square km in Karnataka and 3,500 square km in Tamil Nadu a few years ago, the acreage had fallen steeply and the yield had come down from 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes a year to just 200 to 300 tonnes now. Due to overharvesting and lack of reforestation, India will soon be in an absurd position to import Indian Sandalwood from Australia, who would be world leaders in Indian sandalwood in the years to come. Samples collected from Australian trees of 6 years and 9 years confirmed the oil content and profitability. Sandalwood can be intercropped with fruit bearing trees like Grafted tamarind, Amla, Pomegranate, Drum stick, Karivepillai, etc, these give quick returns from 2nd to 3rd year to the farmer, to reduce the burden of maintaining the long term crop.
Two hundred years of public monopoly and preservation and harassment of those on whose land the plant grew were enough to make the royal wood vanish. Sandalwood species are found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands. In India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka it is called Chandan and India till recently was the world leader on the list of exporters by supplying over 95% of the global
What is heartwood?
Heartwood is found at the core of the tree and has been sold at Indian auctions for an average of over 50 lacs per tonne (September 2009). This aromatic wood is a popular material for Asian carvings and handicrafts, particularly in Taiwan and China, where demand is growing. It is also used extensively for religious and cultural purposes throughout India and the Middle East. The renowned Sandalwood aroma comes from the oil found in the heartwood of the tree. Through a process of distillation the oil is extracted from the heartwood and is sold as a fragrance ingredient to the global beauty industry and flavoring agent in chewing products. This highly valued oil trades for around INR 7 Crores per tonne thats Rs 70,000 per kilogram. The value of heartwood is largely determined by the quantity and quality of the oil it contains. Indian Sandalwood is considered to be the super premium species of Sandalwood because it has the highest oil yield and the oil has the greatest concentration of the valuable constituent alpha and beta Santalols.
harvest. In contrast large reserves of wild Australian Sandalwood are found throughout Western Australia. A difference in growth rate makes Indian Sandalwood the preferred species for private commercial cultivation. As a tropical hardwood Indian Sandalwood will grow to Harvest in 14 years under irrigation, whereas the Australian species is a slowgrowing tree suited to an arid/desert climate. Indian Sandalwood oil has an established global demand and has been in use in perfumery since the Persian times. Indian Sandalwood oil has more than twice the Sandalwood Oil content compared to the Australian Sandalwood variety. Heartwood from mature Indian Sandalwood trees also has around 2 times the oil content of wild Australian Sandalwood trees. The higher value heartwood, fast-growing characteristics and supply-demand imbalance are reasons why Siri Agri Group chooses to grow Indian Sandalwood.
Established Demand
The popularity of Sandalwood is seen in the wide range of countries that import the wood and oil. Sandalwood and Sandalwood oil is currently imported by the Middle East, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, France, Australia, the UK and the USA. Trade statistics show that Taiwan alone imported over 2,400 tonnes of Sandalwood wood in 2010. The USA imported close to 28,900 kilograms of Sandalwood oil in the same year. Strong demand for oil in the USA and Europe is driven by the fragrance industry, where Sandalwood oil remains an important ingredient in fragranced soaps, toiletries and perfumes. It is in the Asian markets, however, that Sandalwood has the most cultural significance. India, Taiwan and China remain significant consumers of Sandalwood globally. China was historically a major importer of Sandalwood. Since the end of import restrictions in 1999 Chinese demand for Sandalwood is reported to have grown significantly. It is expected that these changed regulations and the increasing wealth of China (population 1.34-billion people 2011 est.) could continue to increase the Chinese import of Sandalwood.
Dwindling domestic supplies of the species are also expected to drive India to import significant volumes of wood. In 2005 alone over 2,000 tonnes of Sandalwood was imported to supplement Indian demand. While the import of Sandalwood is currently banned in India, this is expected to be lifted as the domestic supply continues to drop. Demand for the heartwood of Indian Sandalwood is often derived from the demand for Indian Sandalwood oil, a valuable ingredient used in fragrances worldwide and chewing products in India. As the oil is made up of a large number of different molecules, it is extremely difficult to
match these in a synthetic substitute. Despite the availability of synthetics, commentators estimate that the natural cosmetic market is growing at a rate of 15% per annum, driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients. The unique properties of the oil and the growing trend towards natural products suggest that demand for the natural oil will remain high. This trend, as well as the availability of a sustainable supply of Indian Sandalwood is expected to stimulate demand in the global soaps, perfumery and cosmetics industries, alongside China and India where growing wealth is expected to drive demand for this culturally significant ingredient.
DWINDLING WILD SUPPLIES AND DEMAND CENTRED ON THE INCREASINGLY PROSPEROUS ASIAN NATIONS PRODUCE EXCITING MARKET DYNAMICS FOR THIS ANCIENT INGREDIENT WHICH FEATURES IN INCENSE, PERFUME, CARVINGS, MEDICINES AND WORSHIP AROUND THE GLOBE.
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Dwindling Supply
Supply of Indian Sandalwood has reached critical levels in India (around 95% of the total annual Indian Sandalwood supply comes from India); with the tree recognized as a vulnerable species on the World Conservation Unions (IUCN) Threatened Species Red list. Wild sources and government stockpiles are expected to be at very low level. Supply from Indonesia and East Timor has already virtually ceased. There is now a growing demand for a sustainable source of Indian Sandalwood, with plantation-grown trees offering an important alternative to the traditional wild sources. Even because of dwindling supply, Indian Sandalwood still offers superior characteristics, making other species substitutes. It is expected that when a reliable supply of Indian Sandalwood is available, consumption of Indian Sandalwood will increase further. Cultivation and harvest of Indian Sandalwood from India, is always expected to be better than Indian species growing someplace else. Even though supplies from Australia will bring some relief for few years, the quality of oil from Siri Agri Groups (India) plantation is expected to be of much higher value.
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Auction Price
The price of Indian Sandalwood has continued to increase at a compounded rate of 18% over the last 18 years. At the auction held in September 2009 small volumes of wild heartwood were sold for an average price of Rs 50 lacs per tonne*. Due to the decline in the supply of Indian Sandalwood in India, only small quantities of heartwood have been sold at recent auctions. Consistent price growth has been the result of the growing imbalance between the supply and demand for Indian Sandalwood that characterizes this market.
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What do we propose?
1.
engages a team of
Experts to carefully select land suited to the growth of Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album). We will plant Indian Sandalwood in and around Hyderabad. The regions high levels of sunshine, suitable soil types and access to ample water resources make this the preferred area for cultivation. The land will be conditioned and prepared prior to planting.
3. 2.
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Acharya Muralidhar, has developed a seed orchard designed to improve the genetics of the seed stock to produce trees of the highest quality. Superior trees have been selected based on growth characteristics and oil content for the seeds. These are then control pollinated to produce seed for use in the project.
needs to tap nutrients and water from other trees to survive. Watermelon and Raggi, have been selected as short-term host, Teakwood has been selected as mid-term host and Mango has been selected as a long-term host considering their genetic value for Sandalwood and there economic value, which will help project sustain as a self-financed project after 4th year of plantation. These are planted in careful configuration with the Sandalwood with the aim of maximizing the growth of the Sandalwood trees.
4. 5. 6.
plantation, a tree count will be conducted to assess survival rates of Sandalwood and host trees and any necessary replanting will be conducted.
7.
Cleaned Logs. It is anticipated that the major buyers and end users in India of Cleaned Logs will be Government of Karnataka, Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Ltd., Karnataka Handlooms etc.
Cleaned Logs in the government auction in Salem, Tamil Nadu. As per the prevailing law, Sandalwood auction price would be decided by the government.
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conducted at the age of 15 years. Heartwood the most valuable oil bearing section of the wood is concentrated in the butt and lower part of the tree. Advanced harvesting techniques are being implemented to maximize the recovery of this valuable resource. Fragrance industry will distil the wood to extract the valuable fragrance
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Project Details
What are we offering?
Siri Agri Groups Akshaya Vanam Sandalwood Project 2011 gives you the opportunity to grow your own Indian Sandalwood, a wood with strong demand and diminishing supply. The average auction price for wild heartwood in the Indian auctions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have risen from Rs 2 lacs per tonne in 1990/1991 to Rs 50 lacs per tonne in September 2009 (on small volumes), representing an annual compounded growth rate of 18% over 18 years. A diminishing supply, coupled with Sandalwoods important role in Indian and other Asian cultures is expected to ensure that demand remains high and the upward price pressure continues. It should be noted that the Siri Agri Groups Chief Executive Scientist Dr. Anantha Padmanabha is of the opinion that these prices will continue to rise at the rate of at least 5% per annum for the foreseeable future.
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Sandalwood
be
The Plantation will be maintained by Siri Agri Group in accordance with a comprehensive Management Plan. Annual maintenance will include Weeding and Pruning, Nutrient Analysis to determine Fertilizer Requirements, Fire Control Management, Security Management and Regulatory Requirements.
*As shown above Indian Sandalwood is a hemi-parasitic species. The secondary host will naturally die after several years and the Indian
Sandalwood tree will continue growing on a tertiary host tree.
At the time of Harvest, Siri Agri Group will sell the harvest at the Government Auction in Salem, Tamil Nadu, as per the current regulatory requirement or will find a optimal market if the sale of Sandalwood is allowed in the open market. Proceeds of sale from the wood will be distributed to you after a
deduction of the Costs of Harvesting and Processing, and any additional costs associated with the Selling and Marketing Fee. Updates will be communicated to investors via a regular newsletter.
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the Carbon Credits to which they are entitled to the Siri Agri Group.
Carbon credits
Carbon Credits are not factored into the forecast returns for this project as there is no official carbon trading scheme in place at this time. Under the Lease and Management Agreement the Grower agrees to transfer all of
*Regular maintenance such as weeding is undertaken in accordance with the Plantation Management Plan.
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Project Returns
THE FOLLOWING SECTION PROVIDES GROWERS WITH INFORMATION ON PROJECT RETURNS.
Price
Dr. Anantha Padmanabha, Chief Executive Scientist and Forestry and Sandalwood Marketing Expert from Bangalore who has focused his expertise on the Indian Sandalwood Tree, has written an Expert Marketing Report included in this document. Indian Sandalwood heartwood sold at an average of over 50 lacs per tonne (on small volumes) at the State of Tamil Nadu Forestry Department and Kerala auctions held in September 2009. Average auction prices for heartwood have increased at a compounded annual rate of 18% over 18 years. The wood currently sold at the Tamil Nadu auction is of a high quality, tending to contain on average 4.0% to 5.5% oil. While it is possible that wood grown in plantation
conditions might achieve this oil content, it is more likely that a lower average figure of perhaps 3.15% oil content may be achieved.
Forest Produce includes host trees (Teak
and Mango) and other parts of the Sandalwood tree (Sap Wood) (other than the Seeds). These products will have commercial value and the profits will be shared on 50:50 Profit sharing ratio after the expenses for the plantation management have
been covered.
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Dr. Padmanabha has indicated in his Expert Marketing Report that he anticipates ongoing price increases for heartwood of at least 5% per annum for the life of the Project.
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AGRICULTURAL RISKS
Fire:
Fire normally happens in unattended surroundings such as in wild forests. However, Siri Agri Group has understood the damage capacity of such untoward incidents and has planned well in advance.
a) The first step of security planning is done by constructing a boundary wall thus reducing the risk of intentional planned fire outbreaks.
area wherein the staff/guests are frisked for security reasons. c) The farmland undergoes regular process of weeding wild grass thus reducing the fast growth of fire in case of one. d) The drip system adopted by Siri Agri Group are equipped with heat sensors which automatically start sprinkling at the top capacity when there is a sudden change in the temperature. These act like fire extinguishers in case any untoward incident happens.
b) The entire farm is sealed with single point entry system into the cultivation
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e) The entire farm is well planned with approach roads for a fire- brigade vehicle to reach any point without hindrance. f) The permanent staff stationed at the project is trained /equipped to handle minor fire outbreaks.
b) The current project involves plantation of 1,12,500 trees which naturally decreases the environmental temperature upto 9 degree Celsius compared to the natural temperature thus ensuring that even in peak summer the temperature in the farms never exceed 40 degree Celsius. c) The project area selected has never experienced extreme wind or cyclone; however Saplings are planted with a 6ft Rod/Bamboo for support till saplings are strong enough to support themselves.
Climate
a) Andhra Pradesh, especially Hyderabad and surroundings are known to experience moderate climate. Sandalwood Farming survival need of climate varies from 5 degree Celsius to 50 degree Celsius.
Water / drought:
a) Sandalwood trees consume minimal water for its growth when compared to its counterparts. The trees need watering only 5 months in a year and at the intervals of 14 days each. d) As the last resort, in case of failure of all the above planning, water can be availed on subsidy from the Godavari canal which runs within our project.
c) As a contingency planning Ground Water Recharging Module is implemented wherein water beds are prepared within the entire farm by digging wells upto 30 feet and filling them with layers of rocks and sand beds.
a) The initial test have proved Aleru and surroundings to be very fertile for Sandalwood cultivation specially (Santalum album) b) The surrounding has living sandalwood trees aged 4-6 years in the surroundings proving its capability.
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b) The current project has water availability from 9 ft onwards. Borewells dug in the farm are done after a firm geological survey and are dug almost 10 times more than the current water availability.
Soil:
The land selected for plantation goes through proper soil test for their PH value. The current project at Aleru has been selected post this tests. Even in scenarios where the ph value reduces interim, out scientists have identified artificial means of substituting it.
Mortality/Failure %:
Siri Agri Group considers this factor as the most important factor in which the company very well planned. Mortality/Failure % is very common in an unorganized farming. Freelancers, individual farmers, non agro based farmers like commercial real-estate ventures etc fall prey to this loss. This is a long term project and people try to cut the cost at the initial levels. I.E purchasing sapling at the least cost possible without knowing the crop genetics , not concentrating on soil fertility or pre-planning for soil erosion, not spending on water harvesting or contingency planning, compromising on security parameters, compromising on the cost to take expert assistance etc Let us give you an example of what we are trying to say : let say you have been assigned a project in hand and as per your analysis your target profit from that project is Rs 1000 and the cost to do the project is Rs 100. When you know the outcome ratio is huge when compared to the cost then it doesnt make sense to compromise on the quality or cost which the project needs to complete successfully. At Siri Agri Group we handle this factor professionally without compromising as we are 50% share holders of the profit. The common mortality
rate in our project is upto 18% which we try to further bring down by following the below mentioned parameters: a) SIRI AGRI GROUP has an independent seed orchard designed to improve the genetics of the seed stock to produce trees of the highest quality. Superior trees are selected based on growth characteristics and oil content. These are then control pollinated to produce seed for use in the project. b) The saplings from this seeds are then grown in nursery for a period of 12 months before planting it into the cultivation area to further reduce the count of dead, week, infertile and impotent trees etc) Further, the hand pick saplings are planted in the cultivation area and a back-up saplings are still maintained on a 100: 3 ratio to further replant dead trees until the fourth year. Mr. S V L Prasad who is a member of Siri Agri Group specializes in re-plantation of trees) Trees planted in the cultivation area are supported with rod/bamboo sticks till the 4 year to help its roots gain ground support.
FINANCIAL RISKS
Demand and Supply:
With the GO being realized it is very obvious for individuals to take up Sandalwood farming and we at Siri Agri Group invite healthy competitors as we are strongly working towards the restoration of Indian Sandalwood within India. Demand would never be affected as right on date Sandalwood needs 80,000 hectares of cultivation to pull-back its demand and this demand is increasing at 18% per annum and increasing.
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(i)
The average per capita operational size of land holding in India is 1.33 ha, which is far below the world average of 3.7 ha per person. Further, land holdings have shown a marginal decrease from the holding size of that of a decade ago (1.41 ha) Financial capabilities of Indian Farmers which is no hidden secret.
(ii)
(iii)
Even if our real-estate giants realize the potential of Sandalwood and start selling their plots with Sandalwood trees, their quality would be beyond the market acceptability and the outcome can only be used for the carving industry which pays the least compared to the oil content bearing trees. Small players and individual trying their hands would/might also face the same consequences of ending up their yields for the carving industry due to poor crop management, Security management, skills & expertise managements.
(iv)
Competitor Risk:
(a) Indian government passing the GO for Indian citizens to cultivate/hold and enjoy Sandalwood has already make experts in Australia to draw back from recultivation of Indian Sandalwood as they realize the risk and competition with Indians counterparts growing Indian Sandalwood within India. (b) Competition within India is very minimal due to various reasons like (v)
Even if we get proper & healthy competitors Sandalwood Industry current demand needs about 80,000 acres of cultivation each year to meet their current demands.
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security making it a single point entry and a secured gated farming module. d) The entire inner layer within the boundary walls are once again sealed with a security software which has been specially designed for Siri Agri Group (Security software companies name and details will not be disclosed for security reasons). (i) This software security walls are designed to alert and changes in the continuity of the security chain I.E in case of any breakage at any point of the wall the security software senses the breakage and alerts, Sensing of human penetration by sensing heat.
MANAGEMENT RISKS
Theft:
a) Physical theft of Sandalwood starts from the 6th year onwards and we have made adequate precautions for the same. Siri Agri Group spends upto 43 % of the expenditure on security. b) A very important point to be noted is the GO passed by Govt. of India. As per the GO, the individual/company possessing/farming Sandalwood trees is/are the absolute owners of the same and can enjoy the outcome of Sandalwood without restrictions. Earlier smuggling/theft prevailed as Sandalwood was considered as govt property and individuals possessing it were prosecuted. c) 7ft walls for the entire farm with 2ft of Solar fencing form the 1st level of
(ii)
e) Resident Full time security personal are available in the farm in case need arises. Also trained Dogs will be kept at the farm for monitoring of the boundary wall and the cultivation area. f) Inserting of RF Ids (Radio Frequency Ids) in the stem of all Sandalwood trees at the age of four which is invisible to naked eyes however can trace the transportation of logs in worst to worst scenarios.
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the next generation. We have a team of 12 interns from various agricultural universities who are full time employees of Siri Agri Group and have undergone complete training in handling the crop module designed in case of any unforeseen events.
Insolvency of Siri Agri Group: (i) Siri Agri Group is a well planned establishment with strong financial background. As a company we have the financial capabilities of doing Independent farming without external funding. The project is planned to be self funded for all its maintenance costs as Sandalwood farming needs host plants at various levels which manage continuous funding for management. The project design is so made that the funding for END to END farming is collected from the investors right in the beginning to overcome any cash delinquencies from the investors. Experts involvement and compensation has been well planned so as to sustain their continued interest in the project.
(iii)
(iv)
Investment Options
We provide maximum security & Returns for your investments?
An investment involves your money being entrusted into someone elses hand for which you expect some returns and it always involves risk. We are no exception. However what one needs to analyze is the amount of risk involved compared to the reward compensated for the risk taken. In general everyone only concentrates on the outcome projected for an investment. The very important point which people tend to forget while investing is:
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ii.
Does the instrument/person/company, who does the project, has the capacity & expertise to generate income from your investments What is the security being provided for your investments and is it justified. What, where and when is the benefit for the person who handles your investment. Does the investment plan provide a profitable & anytime exit plan for you.
iii.
iv. i. Where is your money being invested? Does that source have the capacity to achieve profits as projected?
v.
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WHEN: We get this profits right from the beginning of the project till its end and only when we do our work.
5) Absolutely, since the investment is done on the base price required to do farming the investor has every option to exit anytime, with a benefit of course, Siri Agri Group adopts the Step-Up Pricing model.
INR 150
INR 116 INR 125
INR 165
INR 100
INR 50 INR 0 Oct'2010 Dec'2010 Feb'2011 June'2011 Aug' 2011 Dec'2011 Mar'2012 Dec'2012
Price/Sqr. Yrd
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Reducing exploitation
Plantations provide an alternative source of Indian Sandalwood, helping to limit the rapid deforestation of wild Indian Sandalwood. Siri Agri Group s policy of acquiring lands in the Semi-Forestry Belt helps reduce the Food Cultivation Farms turning into commercial plantations.
Reforestation
SIRI AGRI GROUP supports the protection of the locations natural ecosystems and unique environment which provides an important habitat for local bird and wildlife.
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Reducing Pesticides
Siri Agri Group is using innovation to continually minimize the use of pesticides. Having Dr. H.S Anantha Padmanabha, Acharya Muralidhar and others as part of the team, helps Siri Agri to make complete use of
their experience in Sandalwood Plantation and reduce the dependency of fertilizers and pesticides. The naturally occurring Santalols within the trees are also an effective preventative against termites and other pests.
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Siri Agri Group believes that it can be part of a better world, starting with Hyderabad. Through an awareness and engagement of all stakeholders, Siri Agri Group aims to promote community living and a culture of respect within the community and the environment. The company sees sustainable development as a way of ensuring shared long-term benefits for the community, environment and investors.
Indigenous Commitment
Siri Agri Group is itself committed to many training programs and information sharing programs between the local farmers and individuals educating them to reduce the use of harmful chemicals that endanger the very habitat that an Indian farmer is so dependent for his living.
Happy Workers
Siri Agri Group has a team of qualified staff dedicated to the cultivation, management and administration of Indian Sandalwood plantations and production. Our workers receive ongoing training to support a productive and innovative work environment.
Community Development
Siri Agri Group intends to initiate a program that would give employment to Physically Challenged individuals through the self sustain agricultural employment model.
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Our values
Respect Reliability Innovation
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Siri Agri Group uses research, innovation and expertise to minimize the risks inherent in a pioneering project, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for Growers. Siri Agri Group is committed to becoming a single largest supplier of Heartwood and Sandalwood Oil to Indian Market by the year 2026.
Plantation Management
Siri Agri Group will manage the Project solely from Plantation to Harvest and Sale. Siri Agri Group: Is a group of an experienced Scientist, Agriculturist and Biologists with hands on experience of Indian Sandalwood Plantation growth and maintenance; Has qualified professional staff experience in all relevant disciplines. with manner designed to both address the Project risks and maximize the growth and yield of the Plantation.
Key personnel
The plantation management team is made up of people experienced in forestry, with significant experience in Indian Sandalwood and horticulture in India. Siri Agri Group plantation management team now has over 15 full-time employees, with about one third of these holding tertiary qualifications. More details about the skills and experience of the plantation management team are outlined below.
Management plan
The Plantation will be maintained in accordance with a Management Plan. The Management Plan outlines the procedures to be followed to ensure that the Project is carried out in accordance with Government directives for Sandalwood Plantations and in a
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Dr. H S Anantha Padmanabha, the forestry consultant, is an expert on sandalwood cell biology, who mastered the technology of artificial cultivation of sandalwood. A scientist of 40 years experience in forestry in India, he had worked as a senior scientist at the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bangalore (India) from 1964 to 1998 and was responsible for guiding research projects on sandalwood and other forestry species including but not limited to techniques of growing sandalwood and decease and pests affecting forestry tree species. Currently he is a Director of Karnataka Research Foundation and Advance Technology Transfer, Bangalore, Consultant to Tropical Forestry Services Western Australia, consultant to Forest Rewards, Western Australia, and had served as consultant to Department of Conservation and Land Development (CALM) and Forest Product Commission (FPC) Government of Western Australia from 1998 to 2002. He is honorary consultant to Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd, Bangalore, assisting and providing guidance to farmers, corporate bodies and NGOs in growing sandalwood in India. He has co-authored books on sandalwood and have published over 150 publications in both Indian and International journals. He was designated as chief Technical Advisor for sandalwood projects with the World Bank FREE project (ICFRE) Government of India.
Acharya Muralidhar, a Master of Science (environmental science & engineering) University of Maryland College Park, MD, USA has worked as consulting engineer for over 10 years in USA. He has developed an innovative low cost water disinfection technology, which is in the final stage of product development (Patent Pending, US Patent Office, Washington, DC). Acharya has developed a simple & effective three step cow-based sustainable farming technique. He is currently working in over four districts of Andhra Pradesh conduction training for farmers on cow-based sustainable farming. Developed a rice cooking (traditional) process to enhance and promote health, especially for diabetes and musculo skeletal problems. Acharya also participated in core organizing team for several antipollution movements including a major Uranium mining project Nagarjuna Sagar area. His varied interest in Vedic sciences including Ayurvedha, Holistic Healing, Astrology, Yoga, Meditation, Agni Hothra, Traditional Knowledge Systems
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S V L Prasad
Executive Horticulture Scientist (Advisory team)
also Honorary Consultant for Urban Landscaping of Bangalore for BBMP & BET. Mr. Prasad specializes in transplantation of very old (100+) years old Trees. He takes part in assisting the government in transplanting Heritage trees instead of cutting them during road widening program.
Post Graduate in Botany & Researcher in the field of Cytogenetic & Plant Physiology. He is an expert in Tissue Culture, Breeding Resistant Mutants for Gama radiation & Environmental Pollutants, especially industrial effluents. Mr. Prasad has had exposure since child hood in the field of Landscaping from Father Dr. S. Rama Rao, The Corporate Director of Landscaping & Horticulture, of IHCL (Taj Group of Hotels) globally. He has taken up Landscaping as profession since it is one of the prime hobbies. Officially Having 23 years of Experience in the Landscaping & Horticulture field, Initial 14 months focused in Landscaping of Goa University premises, which is of Lateritic Rocky Strata. Then Joined Leela Venture ltd, taken up the role of Project in charge and instrumental in building up The Leela Goa & Landscaping @ Mobar Cavelosim, Goa, which became part of the leading hotels of the world within 1 year. He spent 21 years within Taj Group of Hotels developing landscape of prime properties country wide. Mr. Prasad has been instrumental for winning the award for The Taj West End as Best Environmental Hotel of the year 08. He is
His prime intension is to encourage green environment, green income and therefore has worked for the past 7 years trying to locate a suitable land for Sandalwood plantation in Andhra Pradesh.
Nagaraju Prodduturi,
Prime Financer, Pre Project Requirements.
Andhra Pradesh (Carry & Forwarder) for GEE PEE Mobiles. A firm believer in green environment and plans to only Finance projects which cater to environment thus benefiting the believers.
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and ground moisture; and generic factors seem to play an important role. Dr. Padmanabha had considered the Siri Agri Groups Plantation Management Plans, and had reviewed the Siri Agri Groups plantations recently. He is of the opinion that the forecast of an average yield of around 27.5 Kg of heartwood per Sandalwood tree is achievable in the plantation time frame. The heartwood is described as astringent, bitter, antipyretic, moderately hard, heavy, durable, slow seasoning, pleasantly and strongly scented, yellow or brown in appearance, even textured(straight, close grains and uniform fibers) with an oily feel and almost free from knots. Once harvested, s Sandalwood tree will need to be seasoned that is stored- for six months or greater to provide for moisture loss.
HEARTWOOD FORMATION
The Indian Sandalwood tree is harvested for its heartwood, which is rich in fragrant oil. The heartwood is found in the center of the roots, trunk and major branches and is surrounded by sapwood. The formation ad development of heartwood is dependent on age, growth, soil
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tree from which it is taken. Sandalwoods heartwood ranges in colour from light yellow to dark chestnut brown, with merchants preferring the light brown to yellow colour.
Heartwood is contained within the trunk, butt, roots and major branches. The oil content in the butt and roots is slightly more than in the trunk and the branches. It is said that one ton of good sandalwood roots and butt will yield a lower percentage of oil. Within the tree, there will be slight progressive reduction in the oil content from roots to butts to stem and ultimately to the branches.
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ood with higher oil content will receive a greater sale price than that with lower oil content. Dr. Padmanabha analyzed the plantation site and the plans and can confirm that analyses have proven the presence of oil within those trees earlier than would normally be found in a natural environment in India.
ATTARS
The production of attars consumes around 60% of Indias annual supply of Indian Sandalwood Oil; this is a traditional Indian Industry where by natural Sandalwood Oil and Flower oil are blended through a process of distillation. The strong demand for Sandalwood oilbased fragrances in the chewing tobacco and pan masala (mouth fresheners) industries has resulted in 90% of the attars produced being consumed by these industries. When greater volumes are available from plantation sources the demand for natural fragrances and growing wealth of Indian consumers may again stimulate the use of attars as a personal fragrance.
Sandalwood Usage
FINE FRAGRANCE
Powered heartwood upon distillation yields East Indian Sandalwood oil, which is a highly prices raw material in the perfume industry. In perfumery, it is valued for its non-varying composition and fixative properties and for its persistent heavy sweet, woody scent. Due to limited supply of Indian Sandalwood, the demand for oil is higher than the current levels of consumption in the global fragrance, cosmetics and aromatherapy industries. Current exports of Indian Sandalwood oil are very limited. It achieves a premium price of approx. Rs 55 Lacs per ton. Sandalwood production has drastically gone down from 1400 tons in 2003 to 400 tons in 2009. It is expected that if greater supply of Indian Sandalwood oil is available from plantation sources for the global fragrance, cosmetic and aromatherapy markets will use more Indian sandalwood Oil, driven by consumers in Asia and Europe who are becoming increasingly
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chewing tobacco and pan Masala industries. Many of these companies report that they would buy Indian sandalwood oil if available due to its higher quality and more effective properties. Due to the short supply of natural oil, some industries making incense sticks and pan masala (scented chewing tobacco) hive also switched over to synthetics, unmindful of the harmful effects to human beings.
It is estimated that around 800 tonnes of heartwood can be consumed by Indias carving industry. Demand for Sandalwood carvings is increasing in India and internationally. It is expected that china will be major market for finished Sandalwood Carvings and for heartwood suitable for carvings. Heartwood logs suitable for carving achieve premium prices of approx. INR 55, 00,000/- per ton. Sandalwood has many important cultural used. Sandalwood paste is smeared on the forehead during puja (prayer), and used as cleansing agent for Sins and used in funeral pyre by Hindus. Muslim countries use Sandalwood during the burial in order to ensure a quick ascent of the soul to heaven, the Chinese use Sandalwood in religious ceremonies, the Japanese use Sandalwood to honor Buddha and so on.
INCENSE STICKS
Powdered heartwood from which the oil has been extracted is known as spent charge and is used in the manufacture of incense sticks, which are burned during religious ceremonies and for meditation. Incense has cultural and religious significance in Asia, where it is burnt by millions of people as part of daily religious ritual, amounting to billions of sticks burned each year. The spent powder is further grained in to fine powder and with other additives a value added product Doop is made for burning, which is gaining popularity in Asian countries. It is estimated that more than 10,000 tonnes of spent charge and sapwood (white chips)
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that is removed from heartwood and dead tress is currently within the Indian incense market alone, with the demand for spent charge exceeding the current supply. Spent charge is a highly saleable commodity, valued at approx. INR 70,000/- per ton, while Sapwood achieves about approx. INR 1, 00,000/- per ton.
However, it is estimated that the annual harvest of Sandalwood is currently approximately 2,000 tonnes per annum. The difference between the government harvest and the estimated annual harvest is that which is illegally harvested of approximately 1,600 tonnes. During 1958 to 1970 India was officially producing nearly 180 to 200 tonnes of oil, with the total production (legal and illegal) oil) estimated to be much higher, meeting 90 percent of the world demand. Official production of Indian Sandalwood oil has fallen over the years and since 2004 has remained at a low level of 25 tonnes per annum. The size of the illegal harvest is difficult to prove. However newspapers reports describe harvest of this size, and greater. Further, there are some 10-15 Sandalwood oil distilleries throughout India, including areas where Sandalwood trees are not found. The State Government of Kerala and Maharashtra have recently closed private Sandalwood distilleries. Dr. Padmanabha also visited many of these distilleries and has checked their capacity and production. He confirms the figures total much greater than the quantity of official wood harvest. Concerns are held over the sustainability of current Sandalwood harvests unless the
India, but there has been little effort to encourage further growth.
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In Indonesia, there has been a sharp decline in the production of Sandalwood over the past 12 years and it is estimated that there may not be any production in the current year because of a logging ban. To prevent
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Efforts have increased to raise new plantations, with the State Government amending ownership laws to vest ownership with the plantation owner. However, the Government has retained control of when the tress can be harvested and to whom to sell, and as sandalwood offences are nonbailable, the general public remains cautious. General public is yet to come forward to grow sandalwood plantations to meet the demand. If they were to commence it, it will take atleast another 20 years to reap the harvest.
collapse of the established industries, India may have to import wood from Australia. Due to high domestic demand and less supply, merchants have compromised with alternate material from Australia, Africa, West Indies and other countries. The import of substitutes was more than 3000 tonnes up to mid 2006. By adding Indian and Imported Sandalwood the quantity of wood must have crossed over 6000 to 7000 tonnes however the superior qualities of Indian sandalwood (Santalum Album) make it the preferred ingredient. Already the long-term supply of one substitute, Osyris from Tanzania and Kenya, is threatened and government regulations have been implemented in these countries to low the deforestation.
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MARKETING TRENDS
From 1990 to 2010, the sale price of Sandalwood in India has increased from approx. INR 1, 75,000/- per ton to approx. INR 55, 00,000/- per ton. This rise is sale price, which has become a trend over the past few years, is due to increased demand for Sandalwood and its Oil. It is likely that this trend will continue due to the dwindling supplies.
2000-2001 2001-2002 2001-2003 2003-2004 Jan-2005 July-2005 April-2006 May-2007 Dec-2007 Nov-2008 Sep-2009
1,081,500 1,288,000 1,911,000 2,054,500 2,985,500 3,262,000 3,690,785 3,443,650 3,779,475 3,850,000 4,025,000
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The supply is declining and the demand is increasing in both domestic and international markets for wood and oil. This gap between the supply and demand is expected to continue to cause ongoing price increases. It may be possible to meet the growing demand of this natural, essential oil if new plantations with suitable management practices are not raised elsewhere.
THE
Evidence suggests that the current demand for Indian Sandalwood is much higher than the current consumption levels due to declining supply from India. It is estimated that the global demand for Indian Sandalwood is well in excess of 8000 tonnes per annum supported by growth in demand in the global cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries market, plus prosperity in India, Taiwan and China. Due to the lower oil content of plantationgrown trees at age 15 years, a larger quantity of plantation grown heartwood may be required to satisfy the global demand for oil, perhaps in the order of 12000 to 13000 tonnes of Plantation grow heartwood. In India, alone the demand for Sandalwood is estimated to be 5,000 tonnes per annum to satisfy the multitude of domestic Sandalwood markets. Consumption of Indian Sandalwood (Santalum Album) in India has fallen below 5000 tonnes due to decreasing supply, deforestation and lack of a sustainable plantation industry.
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As noted throughout this report, He estimates that the current market supply of 2000 Tonnes per annum and diminishing, with the global demand estimated to be 8,000 tones(equal to around 13,000 tonnes of plantation grown heartwood) or more, and increasing annually. As mentioned by Dr. Padmanbhas future demand predictions, in my opinion the 9000 10000 tonnes per annum of Sandalwood production from Siri Agri Group s plantation will be easily absorbed into the market at that time. Dr. Padmanabha assessment of the demand for Indian Sandalwood does not include the demand in the Indian cremation and worship market for artificial or fake sandalwood that is marketed as genuine sandalwood. Or does it
include the potential demand from the western pharmaceutical market for Sandalwood oil for therapeutic use in dermatology products. It is his opinion that this supply will not affect the long term pricing of Sandalwood though there will need to be marketing efforts made by Siri Agri Group to maximize their realizable sale. Siri Agri Group has been very proactive in its marketing efforts to date, which has already led to considerable interest from buyers for Siri Agri Groups grown Santalum Album.
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