JAT subsidiary to encourage economical plantations
View(s):JAT Holdings, in its diversification strategy, has opened up a new subsidiary to the company’s portfolio via Esteem Plantations (Pvt) Ltd. JAT Holdings, being leaders in the production of wood coatings, has already acquired plantations of Sandalwood and Mahogany, the company said.
Its General Manager, Dinal Samaranayake said that the strength they see in JAT’s policies is regarded as one form of diversification. The company places emphasis on sandalwood and mahogany in particular and, are today, providing the general public with planting initiatives and the advantage of receiving advice and business counseling in terms of growing and managing sandalwood and mahogany trees.
“There is great potential seen in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector if utilised correctly and the biggest market we see is there in the scattered properties of plot owners around the country. Sandalwood, in particular is not an easy crop to plant. Therefore, with our exposure and knowledge, owners who obtain land can receive our backing from the very start. We possess the experience, expertise and interest in our plantations and we provide clients with a total business perspective whilst helping to minimise cost for the client,”Mr. Samaranayake added.
Esteem Plantations has plantations in Badulla, Balangoda, Matale, Kuruwita, Gatahetta Ayagama Kukuleganga, Mathugama and Pelawatta among others. The company said it is also encouraging the growth of sandalwood in general due to a number of feasible reasons. The country’s GDP can witness a huge boost through the forestry sector alone. Forestry engagements can help bring a valuable accumulation towards the country’s revenue.
Mr. Samaranayake said, “The market for sandalwood is no doubt going to boom. What we emphasise is not to invest but to use your land availability to the maximum. That, by itself is an investment.”