Sandalwood is among the world’s most valuable trees. It is well-known for its fragrance and oil, which are used in religious ceremonies, medications and perfumes.
Sandalwood is sold at a high price, from which farmers can profit greatly from this tree. Dry and semi-dry regions, prevalent in many parts of India, are ideal for its growth. Sandalwood farmland near Bangalore has gained attention for offering perfect climatic conditions and profitable returns.
Once firmly established, the tree also requires little maintenance. Farmers can make lakhs of rupees from each tree after a few years with the right preparation and maintenance. Sandalwood has become a popular option for long-term farming investments due to its high demand and profitability.
Choosing the Right Land
An important factor in growing sandalwood successfully is selecting the right land. Loamy, sandy or red soils are best for sandalwood growth. If you are planning a sandalwood farmland project near Bangalore? Make sure the land meets all the right conditions. The soil should be well-drained and water shouldn’t remain in the soil for very long. Stay away from areas with a lot of clay or water. For growing sandalwood trees the land should have a dry, warm climate.
With 600–1000 mm of annual rainfall, sandalwood survives in regions with adequate sunlight. This tree does not do well with excessive rainfall.
Although frequent watering is beneficial during the first two years, you do not need to provide a lot of water. For optimal growth, pick a location with suitable soil, little precipitation and plenty of sunlight.
Selecting Quality Saplings
Growing quality sandalwood trees requires healthy certified saplings. A reputable nursery or government-approved facility is the only place to purchase saplings, especially if you are planning a sandalwood farmland near Bangalore.
Certified saplings have undergone quality testing and disease-free status checks. Verify that the saplings have strong roots and are at least six months old. Avoid weak or yellowing plants.
Depending on your farming strategy, it is also best to request either red or white sandalwood. More people prefer white sandalwood because it produces high-quality oil.
High-quality saplings may be slightly more expensive, but they will grow and offer more later on. Because sandalwood is a regulated tree in India, purchasing from certified sellers also helps you obtain legal support for sandalwood farming.
Planting Process
Proper planting of sandalwood trees promotes their rapid and strong growth.
- First dig pits that are 1- to 5-foot deep and wide.
- For each tree to have adequate space to grow, leave 10 to 12 feet between them.
- In the pit, mix soil with compost or organic manure. Semi-parasitic plants include sandalwood.
- It requires a nearby host plant such as neem, casuarina, or pigeon pea to absorb nutrients.
- Place host plants close to sandalwood saplings.
For the first two years, give the saplings regular watering. Their need for care decreases after that. Keep the area free of pests and weeds.
Sandalwood trees can thrive and can offer good returns in 12 to 15 years with the right planting and maintenance.
Essential Care & Maintenance
Sandalwood trees require maintenance to grow healthily. Give the plants one or two waterings per week for the first two to three years. After that, they don’t require much water.
Apply compost or organic fertilisers every two to three months. This promotes healthy growth in both the tree and the host plant.
Continue to look for fungal infections or pests like stem borers. If necessary, apply natural, safe pesticides. To prevent weeds from depleting the nutrients in the area around the plants, remove them.
To maintain the tree’s health, trim off any dead branches. Early care strengthens the tree and increases its future production of high-quality heartwood and oil.
Harvesting & Selling
Due to its semi-parasitic nature, sandalwood requires a host plant to survive. It clings to the host plant with its roots and absorbs nutrients and water. A well-planned sandalwood farmland project near Bangalore must ensure the use of healthy and compatible host plants for the best growth.Sandalwood will not grow well in the absence of a suitable host plant. Mulberries, casuarina, neem and pigeon peas are common host plants. These should be planted within one to two feet of the sandalwood saplings.
Additionally, it is beneficial to plant long-lived trees as permanent hosts and quickly growing shrubs as temporary hosts. Water and care for the host plants regularly to maintain their health.
It typically takes 12 to 15 years for sandalwood trees to be ready for harvest. The heartwood, which is situated in the middle of the trunk and roots, is the best feature of the tree.
The tree should be carefully cut near the base for harvesting to gather heartwood from the trunk and roots. Obtain permission from the agriculture or forest officers before harvesting, as sandalwood is a protected tree in India.
After harvest, sandalwood oil or wood can be sold. Government organisations, fragrance manufacturers, producers of ayurvedic medications and wood dealers purchase it.
Sandalwood is sold at government-run markets or auctions in many states. To stay out of trouble and to make the best deal, make sure that every sale complies with the law.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Although growing sandalwood has many advantages, there are drawbacks as well:
- Given the high value of sandalwood, theft is a major issue. You can prevent this by installing CCTV, hiring a guard or fencing your property.
- For additional legal protection, you can register the trees with the forest department.
- Diseases such as insect attacks or root rot are another problem. Use neem oil or organic pesticides and keep the area tidy.
- Legal regulations can also be complex. Farming sandalwood is permitted, but farmers must obtain permission before cutting the trees and abide by state regulations.
Maintain planting records and enlist the assistance of agriculture officers. It is easy to manage these issues with careful planning.
Conclusion
On your sandalwood farmland near Bangalore, planting sandalwood trees can be a wise and lucrative long-term investment. After 12 to 15 years, farmers can make lakhs of rupees from each tree if they have the proper planning of good land and healthy saplings.
At Mytan Farms, we promote sustainable and profitable sandalwood cultivation using expert-guided practices.Planting the trees in a sunny location with the appropriate host plants close by is important, as is selecting red or sandy soil that drains well. The tree grows more robust with early care, such as consistent fertilisation, watering and pest control.
Mytan Farms recommends selecting high-quality saplings and maintaining them with organic inputs to boost growth. Additionally, you must abide by the law when growing sandalwood, particularly when harvesting. Prevent theft of your trees and maintain accurate documentation. Even though there are some difficulties, they can be handled with careful preparation. Sandalwood is a fantastic crop to grow on your property near Bangalore or somewhere else if you want to make a good profit. Trust Mytan Farms for guidance on planning, planting, and protection.
For long-term success and significant profits, start with the best practices and remain dedicated.
FAQs:
- What are the best host plants for sandalwood?
For sandalwood to survive, host plants are required. Mulberries, pigeon peas, casuarina and neem are all good host plants. Sandalwood receives water and nutrients from these plants. For better growth and oil quality, plant them 1-2 feet away from the sandalwood saplings.
- How often should I water sandalwood trees?
Water sandalwood trees once or twice a week for the first two to three years of their lives. After that, they don’t require much water. The soil should remain slightly moist but not soggy because too much water is bad.
- Can sandalwood grow in red soil?
Yes, red soil can support the growth of sandalwood. Water shouldn’t remain in the soil for very long if it is well-drained. Avoid places with a lot of clay or water. Sandalwood grows best in red loamy or sandy soils that receive plenty of sunlight.
- What pests affect sandalwood trees?
Fungal infections and pests like stem borers can damage sandalwood trees. These have the potential to harm the roots and trunk. Keep the area weed-free and clean, and use natural or organic pesticides such as neem oil to protect the trees.
- How do I protect my sandalwood trees from theft?
Theft is a major risk because sandalwood is so valuable. Use CCTV cameras, fencing, and if necessary, a guard to keep your trees safe. For additional legal protection and assistance, you can also register your trees with the forest department.
