White Sandalwood Farming Begins in Barmer’s Desert Region

Farmers in Rajasthan's desert region are exploring a new path with white sandalwood cultivation. Dr. Jogesh Kumar, a local from Bhimda village, has planted 900 white sandalwood saplings across 18 bighas of farmland—an experiment being done for the first time in this part of the state.

White sandalwood (Santalum album) is not like regular trees. It is a parasitic species that depends on other plants for survival. To support its growth, Dr. Kumar planted hundreds of host trees like Casuarina, Khejri, Amla, Lemon, Guava, and Fig around the sandalwood. The trees are located near Ratnali Nadi, a local water source. The farm’s boundary is lined with 700 tall Malabar Neem trees, each standing over 30 feet.

“So far, 400 sandalwood plants have grown up to six feet,” said Dr. Kumar. “We’ve created a micro-forest to support them. These host plants supply water and nutrients to sandalwood roots.”

White sandalwood is highly valued in the market. A mature tree can sell for ₹4 to ₹5 lakh after 14 years. The wood is used in perfumes, cosmetics, religious rituals, and traditional medicines. One kilo of wood sells for ₹5,000 to ₹35,000, depending on quality. The oil extracted from the heartwood is in high demand both in India and abroad.

Dr. Kumar said the trees will begin to emit fragrance in 5–6 years, a sign that they are maturing. The scent increases the value of the wood. The more fragrant the trunk or root, the higher the price.

This kind of farming requires patience. The sandalwood tree takes 14–20 years to reach full maturity. But once ready, it can bring significant profit from a single harvest.

White sandalwood has deep historical roots in South Asia. It was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by Austronesian traders around 1300 BCE. Native to parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Western Australia, it became naturalized in southern India. For centuries, people used it for its calming fragrance and sacred value in Hindu and Buddhist practices.

Over time, wild sandalwood trees were overharvested. Due to high demand and illegal logging, the tree became scarce. Today, the Indian government regulates its farming and trade.

Sandalwood thrives in dry, well-drained soil and hot climates. It doesn't need much water once established but does need plenty of sunlight. Though slow-growing, it can be a valuable long-term crop, especially in arid regions like Barmer.

This experiment could open new doors for desert farmers. If Dr. Kumar’s project succeeds, more farmers in western Rajasthan may consider growing sandalwood as an alternative crop.

“This is a long investment,” Dr. Kumar said, “but with the right planning, it can change lives.”

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