Lake Argyle ensures a constant flow via a diversion dam here at Kununurra (Am over that name. Too many u's) to a system of massive channels that provides for flood irrigation. The system currently covers 11,000 hectares and another 40,000 are in the pipeline - financed by the Chinese we are told.
Poor John has had to drive up and down every road. I expected to see acres of things you can eat but apart from spreads of sorghum,potatoes and peas the land is dominated by Indian Sandalwood plantations.
This is a Sandalwood plantation. The smaller dark green trees are the actual sandalwood. They are a parasite tree so they have to have three host trees to provide nutrients and moisture. The farmers are still experimenting with natives that are suitable as they have to start with smaller varieties and add others as the sandalwood grows. I learned that sandalwood oil is the element of good perfume that makes it "stick" to your skin and last. I also managed to buy a small one from the factory we visited. Not unlike my fave "Youth Dew".
Only read this bit if you like facts and figures.
The Indian Sandalwood is nor like our native Sandalwood that grows in southern Western Australia.
They are harvested after about 15 years.
The crop returns about $140 per kilo.
From each kilo about 3% oil is obtained and used in expensive perfume and the remainder in incense sticks.
More than 500,000 incense sticks are burned daily in India. Carbon emmissions???
India has all but destroyed her Sandalwood forests.
Ssooooo the Chinese will have to deal with a religious challenge from India if they want to sow rice!!
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