Srinagar, NTI: Farmers in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions can now cultivate white sandalwood, thanks to a successful pilot project by Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University. The university has successfully grown sandalwood trees, which are now thriving in these mountainous areas, reaching a significant size and promising high yields.
Researchers have demonstrated that white sandalwood can now be cultivated effectively in the higher elevations of Uttarakhand. Garhwal University has established a nursery with around 40 to 50 saplings, marking the first large-scale attempt to grow this valuable tree in the region. Currently, one kilogram of white sandalwood wood sells for approximately ₹2,000, making it a potentially lucrative crop for local farmers.
The High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC) at the university initiated this experiment in Chitra Garden. The aim was to assess whether white sandalwood could thrive at high altitudes. To their delight, the saplings have successfully grown into mature trees, confirming the potential of sandalwood farming in this region.
According to Professor Vijaykant Purohit, Director of HAPPRC, the pilot was conducted to determine the feasibility of sandalwood farming in the Himalayas. The successful growth indicates that farmers in these high-altitude regions can now cultivate sandalwood. Professor Purohit noted that white sandalwood is in high demand for its medicinal properties, especially in the cosmetic industry, where it is known for its skin benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. The wood’s strong demand could yield significant profits for farmers.
Dr. Ankit Rawat, a guest faculty member at HAPPRC, explained that white sandalwood typically grows in warmer climates and can naturally propagate through bird droppings. However, commercial cultivation is now taking place in various parts of India. While it takes about six years for a sandalwood tree to mature, its wood can fetch between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 per kilogram, making it a profitable crop for Uttarakhand’s farmers.
White sandalwood is commonly grown in tropical zones, thriving at altitudes around 500 meters. However, it can also adapt to subtropical regions, growing at elevations between 800 and 1,200 meters. Farmers can sow seeds between November and December, as they ripen during these months. Dr. Rawat recommends soaking the seeds in lukewarm water or rubbing them in sand before planting to improve germination.
Professor Purohit also highlighted the importance of coordination with the Forest Department for sandalwood cultivation. Farmers must inform the department about their cultivation area, which will then be inspected. Following verification, the department grants a license for cultivation, and, based on demand, they issue a permit for cutting the wood. Farmers must also report the sale of sandalwood to the department, ensuring compliance with forestry regulations.
With rising demand for white sandalwood and the increasing viability of cultivation in hilly areas, this new opportunity could prove highly beneficial for farmers in Uttarakhand.
