Sandalwood Cultivation Guide:
Introduction of Sandalwood Cultivation:- Sandalwood is one of the materials being used from centuries and this tree is evergreen and reaches up to 13 to 16-meter height with a girth of 100 cm to 200 cm and is variable in habit, usually upright to sprawling. It has cultural importance and commercial/medicinal uses as well. In India, it is also being called “Chandan” and “Srigandha”. Due to restrictions of growing sandalwood in many states in India, the demand for sandalwood is very high. However, some states in India have lifted the ban on growing sandalwood. Contact your forest/agriculture/horticulture departments for the legality of growing the sandalwood in your region. Sandalwood has a special place in Indian tradition where it is being used from cradle to cremation. The commercial value of sandalwood and its essential oil has very high due to its use in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, aromatherapy, soap industry, and perfumery.
Though there are many varieties of sandalwood is available in the world, Indian sandalwood and Australian sandalwood are very famous and has excellent commercial value in the market. Though returns on sandalwood cultivation are very high in which naturally grown sandalwood tree takes 30 years to be ready for harvesting whereas intensive cultivation in organic methods gives quick results in 10 to 15 years. The sandalwood grown in India has two colours which are available white and red. The best part of these plants is this can be grown as intercrop in Malabar neem plantation/crop. Heartwood, bark and essential oil are the main parts being used in sandalwood cultivation. The leaves of sandalwood can also be used for animal fodder. In India, sandalwood is mostly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Sandalwood is available in red, white and yellow colors.
Family Name of Sandalwood:- Santalaceae.
Botanical/Scientific Name of Sandalwood:- Santalum album L.
Uses and Health Benefits of Sandalwood:- The following are health benefits and uses of Sandalwood and its essential oil.
- Sandalwood works as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Sandalwood is mainly used in perfumery products.
- Sandalwood essential oil used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, hypertension.
- Sandalwood essential oil heals wounds and treating skin blemishes.
- Sandalwood used in deodorants and can be blended with other essential oils to make different fragrances.
- Sandalwood is used in religious rituals.
- Sandalwood essential oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and astringent properties.
- Sandalwood essential oil is a memory booster.
Common Names of Sandalwood in India:- Safed Chandan, Chandan, Sandal and Sandalwood, Santalum album, ShiriGandha, Aninditha, Arishta Phalam, Bhadhrashraya, Sarpavasa, Chandrakanta, Gandhasara,Thailaparna and Malayaja.
Local Names of Sandalwood in India:- Chandan (Hindi), Gandhapu Chekka (Telugu), Cantana (Tamil), Raktacandanaṁ (Malayalam), Śrigandhada (Kannada), Candana (Marathi), Candana (Gujarati), Canana (Punjabi), Candana (Bengali)
Varieties of Sandalwood:- Indian sandalwood, Australian sandalwood are mostly grown though there more than 15 varieties (cultivars) are available throughout the world.
Climate Requirement for Sandalwood Cultivation:- Sandalwood crop requires and grows well in hot and humid climatic conditions. The ideal temperature for sandalwood tree growth is between 12° and 35°C.
Soil Requirement of Sandalwood Cultivation:- Sandalwood trees can be grown in any well-drained soils having good organic matter. However, red sandy loam soils are best for their growth and yield. If you are planning for commercial cultivation of sandalwood, it is advised to go for a soil test and fulfill the nutrient requirements in the soil based on soil test results. Sandalwood grows better in slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Land Preparation for Sandalwood Cultivation:- Give a couple of ploughings to bring the soil to fine tilth stage and weed free. Prepare the soil or beds in such a way that excess water will drain out quickly in case of heavy rains or floods.
Propagation in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Sandalwood can be propagated by means of seeds and vegetatively through tissue culture.
Planting and Spacing in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Usually seeds collected from plants age of 15 to 20 years in August to March is best for its growth and yield. These collected plants should be dried up and well-treated before sowing on nursery beds. Generally, 7 to 8 months old well-branched seedlings of 30 to 35 cm height raised on nursery beds are used for transplanting in the main field. Two types of seedbeds such as “sunken” and “raised beds” are used to raise the sandalwood seedlings.
The pits size of 45 x 45 x 45 cm should be dug during soil/land preparation. The plant-to-plant distance should be 10 feet. Make sure there will not be any stagnated water in pits before planting. Expose pits for sun for a couple of days to dry up the pits any pests will be destroyed. Sandalwood will start flowering after 4 years planting and need to make sure to remove the weeds and dried/diseased branches on regular basis to make the field weed free. Prefer to use Bio-fertilizers in sandalwood cultivation.
Irrigation in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Sandalwood crop can be grown throughout the year provided there is enough irrigation facility available. When it comes to water requirement, irrigation should be provided at an interval of 2 to 3 weeks when the plants are young especially in hot and summer climatic conditions. Go for drip irrigation in regions where the water source is limited. Sandalwood plant does not require any irrigation in the rainy season and make sure to drain out any excess water from the tree basin.
Manures and Fertilizers in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Any agriculture crop responds well to organic and chemical fertilizers. However, any medicinal crop should be grown without any chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Well rotten farmyard manure (FYM) like cow dung, garden compost, vermin-compost or any manure made from green leaves can be used. For controlling any pests and diseases in sandalwood cultivation, bio-pesticides should be prepared from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow’s urine etc.
Weed control Sandalwood Cultivation:- Weeding and thinning should be carried at regular intervals for establishing a standard framework of sandalwood plantation.
Pests and Diseases in Sandalwood Cultivation:- To prevent diseases and pests, bio-pesticides could be prepared with single or mixture from Neem kernel, Neem seeds and Neem leaves, chitrakmool, dhatura, and cow urine.
Note: It is always advised to contact your local horticulture/agriculture/forest department or NMPB (National medicinal plants board) for symptoms of diseases and pests and their control measures in sandalwood cultivation.
Harvest and Post-Harvest in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Usually sandalwood trees will be ready for harvesting after 30 years of planting. During harvesting of sandalwood, the soft wood is removed and then hard wood is chipped which would be converted into powder in a mill. After soaking the powder in water for 2 days (48 hours) and distilled. The essential oil from sandalwood is rectified by re-distillation and filtration.
Yield in Sandalwood Cultivation:- As sandalwood takes longer than any other tree to grow, one should havethe patience to wait for its yield and profit. On an averag,e it grows 5 cm girth per year under good soil and climatic conditions.
The following table gives approximate growth of sandalwood each year.
| Age of Sandalwood Tree (in years). | Girth (in cm). | Heart wood yield (in kg). |
| 10 | 10 | 1 |
| 20 | 22 | 4 |
| 30 | 33 | 10 |
| 40 | 44 | 20 |
| 50 | 55 | 30 |
Primary factors that influence the sandalwood growth are; selection of land, selecting the sandal wood spices, host plant management, Irrigation management, pest and disease control management.
Economics of Sandalwood Cultivation:- Well, the rate or price of sandalwood or any medicinal plants varies every year and depends on market conditions. The retail government rate of heart wood in India is about 500 to 600 Rupees/ kg (This may vary, please contact the local forest department for the current price of heartwood.)
Subsidy and Loan for Sandalwood Cultivation in India:- In India, there is a subsidy and loan facility available for the farmers who wants to grow sandalwood. There are many banks including NABARD are financing for commercial cultivation of sandalwood projects. NMPB (National medicinal plants board) is also providing subsidies on sandalwood projects. Please contact them directly for more and current subsidy/loan information.
Cost and Profit in Sandalwood Cultivation:- Well, profits in any agriculture/crop depends on many factors. However, Sandalwood farming is a long-term and highly profitable crop. Here is a sample project cost and profit scenario in India. One should understand that these things will change region to region and year to year based on market conditions.
For one acre of land, usually, the plant density is about 400 to 440 (where 10 feet distance is maintained between plants).
Usually, cost per acre depends on many factors like plant cost, labour cost for planting, drip cost, soil working and weed control (at the current market), pests/disease cost and others.
On average 1 acre of sandalwood plantation cost 6,00,000 INR (six lakh Indian rupees).
Sandalwood heart wood is costing about 6,000 Rs/kg.
Total yield of 5,000 kg can be expected.
So, total expected price after 15 to 20 years is: 5,000 x 6,000 = 3, 00, 00,000 (3 crore).
Total cost/expenditure + other costs = 6,00,000 INR plus land cost per acre 20,00,000 INR = 26,00,000
Net profit can be expected: 3,00,00,000 – 26,00,000 = 2,74,00,000/acre.
Marketing of Sandalwood:- Any medicinal plants require premarketing strategy. Before going for sandalwood cultivation on large scale, contact agents/companies/ or any herbal suppliers for marketing.
your site exellent it is sri sai baba gift.
Thanks man.Baba Bless you as well. Please share this site with your circle.
Sir/Madam.
Kindly let me know if it is a must to irrigate sandal wood plants besides the monsoon rain which generally starts from the month of May to Oct in my region. Can it be inter crop with other fruit bearing trees?
Hi, Sandalwood tress can be grown as Inter-crop in Malabar Neem orchard. Yes, they need irrigation all the time (except in monsoon time/rainy season). Drip irrigation would be best choice. When you as inter-crop make sure, these trres wont get shade from other trees. This can be achieved by maintaining proper distance.
Hi sir if we want to arrange a study tour about red sandalewood for foreign guest than how we can do it.
At this point in time, we are very busy with our farming projects.
we can arrange this study tour in the month of October – November, so we hope you can provide time for it and if there will be any cost of this study tour we can explain to the guest
I was told by a real estate marketing firm that 200 sq.yd land can yield 5ton of sandal wood in a span of 10 years. Can you guide.
Simple, Don’t go for it. Forget about yield of sandalwood, you will have problem with cutting them and selling.
I think there may be more plots all together they can get permission for cutting and marketing. Here the Real estate team will take care of growth and cutting but ofcourse they will charge.
Dear Sir
Myself Mandar From Pune , I need this information in hindi or marathi as my dad understand well.
Regards
Mandar
Unfortunately, we are having this information in English, we will try to add Language converter soon.
This is the best website for all the agriculture projects which I have ever seen before. I have briefly gone through them and they are informative. I am very much interested in commercial planting of Sandalwood in a large scale in the Southern part of India but I need financial support to plant the sandalwood for land and other expenses. I did not find any information regarding this support from NABARD. Can you please provide more details regarding the financial support from Banks or NABARD or any other financial institution to support me? Please do email me.
Appreciated your help! Thank you!
Thanks for your comments, We will update about NABARD Loans on Sandalwood farming in India
I am told that sandalwood cannot prepare its own food. it depends on other plant like grass so we should grow grass at its base, is it true? what should we do?
What do you mean by preparing own food? explain us little bit more…we will try to answer.
Thanks a ton for the valuable information.
Could you please also name few best temporary and permanent host trees for sandal wood? apart from Melia dubia?
Also what necessary steps needs to be taken before planting sandal wood? like do we need to have readily available host and etc
We will update about host plants for all crops and orchards, give us some time to update.
What are companion plants for Sandalwood?
This is good website for farmers; should read and follow
Is white sandalwood can we do cutting.and for how many years the tree does grow.Is white sandal have permission cut and sale.
Sir, please tell me, how to germinate sandalwood from seeds.
Man, Propagation of sandalwood from seeds take long time and no guaranty of more percentage of germination. Instead use sapplings/seedlings from certified nurseries.
But sir i want to start sendelwood nursery so plz provide some information about germination of sendelwood seeds and your help also for to start nursery plz sir….
Well, here is some information about Plant Nursery.
Can we cut down white sandlewood at the age of 15-20yrs
What heartwood can i get from that and price of that heart wood per kg for a 15year white sandal in present market
Today sandal heartwood rate will be INR 5000 to 6500 per kg or you may get relevant information through forest department.The yield will starts after 15 years of plantation.Some times, it may come to maturity by 13 years but it will not be uniform.
But sir I want to start sandalwood nursery so please provide some information about germination of sandalwood seeds and your help also for to start nursery please us to establish plant nursery.
Well, here is some information about Plant Nursery.
Which plants are best as temporary and permanent host plants in forming sandalwood plants.
Hi All,
Can any one suggest me is it possible to grow sandalwood in hilly areas, I am from Ranikhet Uttrakhand.
Sandle wood trees require sandy soils for better root penetration. It all depends on soil type. If the hilly areas are formed with rock, it is not advisable.
Hi sir,I really appreciate you for the useful information which you are providing.I would like to know which are the best host plants for sandal wood plants apart from Malabar neem.Can we put Rose wood,Silver oak,Amla,Mahogany as host plants for sandal wood cultivation.If any fruits plants acts as host plants please advise us in this regard.
Dear Sir,
Kindly let me know the effects of using plant growth regulators like Stigmasterol, Campesterol or Brand GR on formation of Hard wood in Sandalwood.
Sir, exactly on August 18th of 2017, I planted 1100 sandal wood plants of one year old of seedlings and Melia Dubia plants also with 12*12 feet spacing. I found 70% of plants got flowering in which age the flowers will start. Please tell me, I am using only natural manure.
For more information of Sandalwood, Read: SANDALWOOD FARMING PROJECT REPORT.
Dear sir, I need a visit of sandalwood cultivation of agriculture land in Karnataka and as well as I need srigandha plants give me information and contact details.
Dear Sirs,
I heard that sandalwood tree is basically a parasite and its roots tap and get nutrition from the roots of other trees; so it thrives on other plants. I would like to know at which stage of its life cycle the sandal behaves as a parasite and what are the best host trees/ plants that should be grown in its vicinity.
Read this: Sandalwood Farming Project Report.
Sir,
I want to cultivate sandal wood formation can u tell me the what permissions I required for farming and permissions for marketing.
Here is some information about the sandalwood Farming Project Report.
Dear Agrifarming,
I’m from Vietnam and I’m very much interested in Sandalwood cultivation. I have a plan to plant Sandalwood in Vietnam, but I have some questions regarding this:
1. How we can sell sandalwood after tree cutting? In India, we have some places to buy sandalwood or not? If have, can I know where they buy sandalwood in India?
2. Can we sell both seeds and leaves of Sandalwood? If it is the case, what is the yield of sandalwood seeds and hardwood?
3. Can we well the sandalwood after 5 years growth? Or Can we sell sandalwood less than 10 years old?
I have a plan to plant Sandalwood in Vietnam at least 20 acres in the first time.
Well, Sandlewood take at least 15 years to get the proper size. However, for all your questions, here is the article to read: Sandlewood Farming Project Report.
Can I cultivate any other crop with in the period of this 30 years. Can multicroping can be done. And if done, which crops or plants are suitable.?
Yes,during the initial year’s of the Chandan plantation, short duration crops, like any legume/cereal crops which have a shallow root system. The spacing between Chandan plants also should be considered while growing for intercrops.
Sir/Madam, is it advisable to grow sandalwood in the western ghat areas of Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur where there is heavy rainfall.
Read this: Sandalwood Farming Project Report.
I want to sale Chandan tree which is 20 years old all Chandan tree’s girth are 33 cm or 44 cm respectively, where to sell Sandlewood? Please reply immediately.
Read this: Sandlewood Farming Project Report.
Hi sir, we are from Hubli area so in this area completely black soil and it has more water holding capacity, so we can cultivate Sandalwood in our 6 acre land or not, please give me information about this.
Black soils are not suitable for commercial sandalwood cultivation as it required sandy loam with well drained capacity and rich organic matter. Waterlogging lands cause the tires to get the root rot disease and eventually they die.
Read this: Sandalwood Farming Project Report.
What is the maximum depth of the root of the Sri Gandhian tree at 20 years of age?
It all depends on soil type and tree growth. No one can say exactly the root depth after 20 years of planting of sandalwood trees.
I need some clarification regarding the math used for profit estimation. You mentioned that a 20 year old plant yields 4 Kg of wood and that 1 acre can have 400 trees. This means an acre would give about 4*400=1600 Kg, where as you mentioned 5000 Kg. That’s a huge difference. Can you please clarify?
Here is the complete project report: Sandalwood Farming Project Report.
Can you please the details of marketing sandalwood trees at the various places available in India?
Can you please explain the cultivation of Malabar neem plants too and their cultivation, marketing them. The subsidies that were available to plant these.
Sir, i just read your article on sandalwood farming my question is that how i protect trees from thief does we get any insurance on trees.
You should have somebody to monitor.
Can I place red sandalwood as the main host plant to Sri Gandham plant?
I am seriously exploring sandalwood cultivation on our land. Do you provide end to end consultancy and management for a fee or do you know of any recognized organization that does?
Also, a lot is made out about theft and security risk. How real is that?
Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks
We don’t provide any agriculture services. Definitely, you should secure the sandalwood plantation especially when they are close to a marketable stage. You must get a forest department permission to cut and sell it.
Helloo Sir
Could you please prepare project report of sandal wood cultivation with Malabar neem as inter crop.
My major questions are how many sandal wood and Malabar in 1 acre and what are the best distances between trees.
Thanks
Raj
Hi Sir,
Thank you for sharing the information. A Farming developers contacted me and said they are selling 150 sqyrd land for 1,50,000/- with a sandalwood plantation of 13 trees. He said yielding period of sandalwood is 15 yrs. The farming is done in land of 65 acres. He told they will take the maintenance of sandalwood plantation for the 15 yrs, at the last they would take 32% of money and give us the 72% to the customer. Is it good for taking it.
Kindly suggest sir.
Regards,
Naresh
Can i do Sandalwood cultivation for commercial purpose in Haryana, is the conditions suitable for its cultivations? Is it legal to cultivate the same in Haryana?
Sandalwood cultivation- Witnessing a huge growth in the market
Sandalwood Cultivation is witnessing popularity amidst its fragrance and wood materials. This is also known as Sri Gandham Plants or Chandan. Though Sandalwood Farming is expensive, it gives you profits after 13-15 years. From 2002 the government has given permission to have Sandalwood Cultivation in private lands. From then, there is a thriving demand for Sandalwood Farm Lands
Generally, there are two popular varieties Red and White Sandal Plantation(Chandan) which is highly prized commercially. Along with RedSandalwood Plants, their leaves are also bestowed for animal fodder.
This tree which grows for 13 to 16 meters height and 100 to 200 cms girth is mainly found in countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pacific Islands, India, Nepal, Hawaii, Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Scientifically this tree is known as Santalum Album and belongs to the tree family of Santalaceae. Sandalwood Plantation occupies a prominent place in Hindu traditions used from the time of birth like cradle ceremony till the time of death i.e, cremation.
Prominent features of Sandalwood Farming
This tree is highly prized for its aromatic fragrance.
Sandalwood Plantation is a precious tree used in medicinal properties and for carvings.
The oil obtained from Sandalwood Plants is best utilized in cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Red and White Sandal Plantation (Chandan) has its demand in the international market also and requires very less maintenance.
It is a highly profitable business in the long-run.
To know more about Sandalwood Plantation in Vijayawada visit Lahari.
Where does Sandalwood Plantation found in India
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Bihar
Karnataka
Gujrat
Maharastra
Madhya Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
The cost of Sandalwood Plantation
A farmer can grow Sandalwood Plants either through seeds are by bringing baby plants from the private or govt. Nurseries. Be vigilant while purchasing. Buying Sandalwood Plantation from genuine sources can fetch your profits.
Contact Lahari and have a safe Sandalwood Plantation Profit.
The prize of an individual baby pant is around Rs.500 to 1000.
The MRP for sandalwood per kg is between Rs.3000 to Rs.10,000.
Health and skin benefits of Sandalwood Plants
Get rid of skin inflammation through anti-inflammatory agents from Sri Gandham Plants.
Reduce hypertension and stress through Sandalwood Plants oil
Prevent Spasms and ageing by using an antiseptic agent
Get flawless and bright skin that cures itching and infections
Keeps away body odour
Keeps Renal and Kidneys healthy
A great tonic for kids that fights viral infection
Helps in increasing memory and keeps blood pressure under control
That is the reason it is safe to invest in Sandalwood Farm Land in Vijayawada with Lahari and get the maximum benefits from it.
Contect lahari for more details
Sir,
I intrested to planting of sandle wood red & white in the area of 3 acres. I want to help for starting of planting work. Please advise to which documents to be prepare as well as procedure for planting of Sandle wood Red & White. I awaiting your reply at the earliest.
HI Sir,
Need info on how to start planting of sandle wood in Andhrapradesh (prakasam Dist) region.
What all steps to be involved in ex. what kind of permission to be taken, From where to get permission, what document needed, whom to contact. Please advice as soon as possible.
Im planning to plant sandel wood for 1 acre of land, i found the one year plants from Godavari district, how they dont know the procedure to start .
Thank you for your information. How can I contact you to get more information regarding the subject matter. I am from Andhra Pradesh.
Tq for your information
I have 4 acres of land in Uttarakhand, which agri production should I go for to make maximum profit……?
hi you guys are awesome , keep spreading good information so it will helps lot thank u and just to know about intra crop details also
Dear sir. Great site and good info.
I am planning to cultivate Sandalwood in 2 acre land. Can I plant Mahogany and Teakwood as a host plant.
Row to row distance 12 feet and
Plant to plant 5 feet.
Hi Sir,
Which is the best month/period for sandlewood plantation?
Usually, it should be in June/July just the starting of the rainy season.
Can we inter crop Sandal wood with tamarind trees along with some vegetables
Where could we get tissue culture sandal wood plants
I am from Madhya Pradesh, Indore. please let me know how I can grow white sandalwood in one acre.
From where to get seeds or saplings and what will be the cost ?
Hi, Agri farming department. We have cultivated Sree Gandam plants for 15 years now we need to sell them. Can we get any contact to market them?
Hi, I’m Amit from Delhi and we have land in the hills, which is around 5000 to 6000 ft in height. Kindly suggest me if sandalwaood tree can grow there. While temp there will be 2 degree to 30 degree (yearly). Kindly suggest.
can one harvest sandal wood in westbengal
I want to plan sandal wood in meghalaya
What is the best host plant for Sandalwood? Guava/Causuraina/Mango.
Pl elaborate.
Hello,
I have land in Konkan and am very much interested in sandalwood farming. My question is that the region experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoons and has a favorable hot climate otherwise. Is this kind of climate suitable for sandalwood if i use saplings which are cultured for 2 / 3 years.
Can I make Sandalwood plantation and in there shadow I will make free range chicken farming or goat farming
possible in ladakh or not????
Can I do sandalwood cultivation in arid soil ?
I am from Rajasthan , in my locality, water availability is less , can I do cultivation in this type of area ?
Nice knowledge sharing
Can I grow sandal wood in maharashtra ?.
can you send me sandalwood association of Telangana, website or ph no