Sandalwood - A Highly Profitable Farming Opportunity

Sandalwood grows well in sandy clay and gravelly loam soils with good drainage facilities. The ideal temperature range is 19°C to 28.5°C. Also, it requires rainfall of 500-3000 mm.

Select high-quality sandalwood seeds, depulp them, and wash them thoroughly before drying. Germination takes place 1 to 3 months after sowing. Note that sandalwood requires host plants to survive.

Dig a 30 x 30 x 30 cm pit and leave it for a week. Add 10-15 g of Phorate & Carbendazim. Plant sandalwood as a pure block plantation or in an agroforestry system alongside horticultural crops.

Drip irrigation every 2-3 weeks is recommended. Apply 15-20 kg of organic fertilizers regularly, like farmyard manure and vermicompost. Apply NPK to seedlings after formation at 150-200 g per plant.

Protect sandalwood from theft, illicit felling, drought and fire through barbed wire/electric fencing or patrols. Insect attacks or root rot can be prevented by spraying neem cake.