Walla Patta as commercial cultivation
Disna Mudalige
The Environment Ministry has taken measures to introduce Walla Patta,
scientifically known as Gyrinops walla, as a commercial cultivation
because of the recently discovered monetary value of the tree.
Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said extensive research
was being carried out in this regard. He said trees would be cultivated
according to the correct scientific methods to earn a high income.
Studies and research have confirmed a resinous substance called
Agarwood can be obtained from Walla Patta. This is used as a base for
the world's most expensive perfumes produced in countries such as
France, he said.
The minister said according to data collected by the ministry, a kg
of this particular resin is worth over US $ 25,000.
Walla Patta is a commonly seen sub canopy tree that grows in home
gardens as well as in wet zone forests. The commercial value of this
tree came to light with the recent attempts to illegally fell and
smuggle it to extract Agarwood.
The minister said the unnecessary felling of the tree has increased
due to its attractive commercial value of it. He said rigid measures
have been taken to apprehend and produce illegal fellers and smugglers
before the law.
Yapa said the cultivation of Walla Patta would be promoted among
people enabling them to earn a high income.
He said the uses and value of the plant are being further
investigated.
According to the Internet, Agarwood is produced within the bark of
the tree when the tree is infected by a fungus. Once extracted, Agarwood
is burnt as incense and used in the manufacture of non-alcoholic
perfumes. |
