NBA releases Rs 45 lakh to Red Sandalwood Farmers in Andhra Pradesh under the ABS framework.
Photo Credit: Social Media
New Delhi, January 2, 2026: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), through the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, has released Rs 45 lakh (approximately US$50,000) to farmers in Andhra Pradesh as part of its ongoing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) disbursement initiative. With this latest release, India’s total ABS disbursement has now crossed Rs 143.5 crore (around US$16 million),
This initiative highlights the significant economic opportunities for farmers cultivating red sandalwood, who benefit through a dual income stream—first, from the legal sale of cultivated red sandalwood timber, and second, from monetary benefits under the mandatory ABS mechanism mandated by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
The ABS framework directly rewards farmers for the conservation and sustainable use of this globally valuable and endemic species.
NBA claims Andhra Pradesh has a major share:
So far, the NBA has disbursed more than Rs 104 crore (US$11.5 million) to Andhra Pradesh alone for the conservation, protection, and benefit-sharing of red sandalwood. In addition, over Rs crore (US$1.66 million) has been released to other states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana.
In the past three months, the NBA has released Rs 5.35 crore under the ABS framework to over 220 red sandalwood farmers across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, reinforcing its commitment to farmer welfare and biodiversity conservation.
Promoting conservation through livelihoods:
The Access and Benefit Sharing framework ensures fair and equitable distribution of benefits, promotes sustainable harvesting practices, and discourages illegal trade and overexploitation.
By linking conservation outcomes to tangible bio-economic incentives, the ABS mechanism has transformed red sandalwood from a strictly protected species into a livelihood-supporting asset for farming communities.
Through its sustained efforts, the National Biodiversity Authority continues to channel ABS funds to rightful beneficiaries, supporting conservation, scientific research, and socio-economic development.
These initiatives not only safeguard red sandalwood for future generations but also strengthen India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation efforts.
EOM.