The sandalwood or Chandan is a famous medicinal and therapeutic tree, known for its unique smell and healing properties. Moreover, it’s high time to pursue sandalwood farming as the Chandan woods are sold for a hefty sum (it’s the most costly wood in the entire world). Experts growers say — these woods are distinct from others as they can retain their fragrances longer.
A single tree with a circumference of 2½ feet at chest height can provide heartwood of about 75 to 80 kgs. So, if proper cultivation practices are followed, farmers can earn up to Rs. 1.5 crore of income from an acre of land.
Interested in growing the Chandan tree or pursuing Sandalwood farming? So, let’s discuss the sandalwood tree benefits first. After that, we’ll understand the key tips to grow and harvest quality chandan ka ped, followed by expected cost & returns.
Steps to Sow, Grow & Harvest Sandalwood Tree
Here are some technical factors you need to take into consideration for better growth and harvest of Chandan ka ped.
1. Soil Requirement
Sandalwood is suitable to grow in a variety of soil, including sandy soils, red clay soils, and clay-rich black soils that can adjust to rocky hard ground or gravelly soil types. However, the ph level is between 6 to 7.5.
2. Climate Requirement
Sandalwood trees can grow well in tropical and sub-tropical regions with hot & humid climates. In addition, the ideal temperature of sandalwood cultivation should be between 12 & 40 degree Celsius at altitudes between 2000 to 3500 feet above sea level.
3. Propagation of sandalwood
Sandalwood plants are ideal for growing either through sowing seeds or vegetatively through tissue culture.
4. Planting & Spacing
Choosing seeds extracted from a 15-20-year-old tree. To transplant seedlings in the main field, choose seedlings 7-8 months old, of about 30 to 35 cm in height, extracted from raised nursery beds.
In addition, to raise the seedlings, the following two methods are highly popular:
- Sunken
- Raised beds
Moreover, the following dimensions should be ensured:
|
45X45X45 |
|
10 feet |
Tips to ensure effective plant growth:
- Expose the pits to the sun for drying excessive water and disinfecting the field from any pests.
- To make the field weed free, consider removing the weeds frequently.
- You will see sandalwood plants flowering after 4 years from planting.
- It’s best if you use bio-fertilizers to nourish the field.
5. Fertilizer schedule
Since this is a medicinal plant, consider growing it without any use of chemicals or fertilizers. Use bio or organic fertilizers instead. Additionally, mix the soil with well-rotted farmyard manure; it could be either in the form of:
- Vermin compost
- Garden compost
- Cow dung
- Manure from green leaves.
Also, if you wish to avoid any pests or diseases in your farm field, add bio-pesticides made from Neem, Datura, Cow’s urine, and Chitrakmool.
6. Watering & Irrigation
Sandalwood requires less watering during the growing phase. The young sandalwood plants require irrigation for 2-3 weeks during summer. However, you don’t need to water the fields frequently during rainy conditions.
The drip irrigation method is highly recommended for watering Chandan trees, as this method supports the optimum distribution of water without overwatering or clogging the field. Moreover, this method is highly efficient in saving water bills.
Explore other Popular Irrigation Methods that are effective and efficient.
7. Harvesting & yield
Profit on sandalwood is tremendous, as these mighty plants are sold by weight. Moreover, they are sold for Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 per kg. However, you can earn even up to Rs.10,000/ kg for the top quality sandalwood.
For an 8-year sandalwood tree, its heartwood becomes ready to harvest within 12-15 years from planting. There is a never-ending demand for sandalwood trees in Indian and foreign markets.
Sandalwood Farming Yield
You can extract up to 5000 kg of sandalwood from an acre of land. The average cost for this tree’s cultivation is between Rs. 8 to 10 lakh per acre approx. So, against this investment, you can earn up to Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
The yield would vary according to factors that stimulate the growth of Chandan plants. Such factors could include:
- Selection of land
- Selection of sandalwood species
- Management of host plant
- Pest & disease control
- Water management
Common Name of Sandalwood
Chandan or sandalwood is known via the following different names in different parts of India:
- Safed Chandan
- Santulam album
- SriGandha
- Aristha Phalam
- Aninditha
- Bhadracharya
- Chandrakanta
- Gandasara
- Thailaparna
- Malayaja
Net Earnings from Sandalwood Farming
| Particulars | Costs |
| Heartwood (420 treesX5.8 kg/tree @7500/kg | 1,82,79,000 |
| Sapwood (420 trees X3 kg/ tree @1100/ kg | 1,61,70,000 |
| Total income | 3,44,40,000 |
Profit from Sandalwood Farming
| Particulars | Costs |
| Total Income | 3,44,40,000 |
| Total Cost | 7,60,000 |
| Total Profit | 3,68,80,000 |
Final Thoughts on Sandalwood Farming!
You can harvest high-yielding plants by following the above tips regarding land preparation, soil fertility, irrigation, and other agri-factors & considerations. Ensure that you choose fertile land for location, good quality seed, well-drained soil and quality farm mechanization solutions.
To grow these therapeutic and medicinal chandan plants at scale, make sure to pick the Best in Class Farming Tractors and a range of Farming Implements from iconic brands.
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