Mahogany Farming in India 2026
Premium furniture timber with a long 12 to 20 plus year wait and variable returns.
Overview
Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla and related species) is a tall hardwood prized for its reddish brown furniture and veneer timber. It grows reasonably well across much of warm India and has become popular in agroforestry. Be clear that mahogany is a long rotation timber tree: usable timber generally needs 12 to 15 years and good quality logs may take 20 years or more. Returns depend heavily on girth, log grade, local demand and the price you can actually negotiate, which varies widely. Many online figures are optimistic, so plan conservatively. Mahogany is easier on paperwork than sandalwood or red sanders, but felling and transit rules still vary by state, so confirm with your forest department. With patience, suitable land and intercropping in early years, mahogany can be a sound long-term asset rather than a quick income source.
Climate
Warm tropical to subtropical climate, 1000 to 2500 mm rainfall, temperatures around 15 to 38 degrees Celsius. Tolerates a range of conditions but grows best with good moisture and warmth. Sensitive to severe frost when young.
Soil
Deep, well drained, fertile loam soils are best, pH 5.5 to 7.5. Avoid waterlogged or very shallow soils. Reasonable growth on a range of soils given good drainage and moisture.
Planting & Spacing
Common spacing ranges from 6 ft x 6 ft for dense planting to 10 ft x 10 ft for wider growth. Roughly 400 to over 1000 trees per acre depending on spacing and intended thinning. Wider spacing gives larger individual logs; closer spacing needs thinning over time. Plant in the monsoon.
Varieties
Swietenia macrophylla (big leaf or Honduras mahogany) is the most planted; Swietenia mahagoni is also grown. Source healthy nursery seedlings from reliable suppliers and avoid unverified hype around so called fast mahogany.
Care & Management
Weed and water in early years, give balanced manure, and prune lower branches to improve log straightness and timber value. Thin densely planted stands over time so remaining trees gain girth. Protect young plants from grazing and frost.
Pests & Diseases
The shoot borer that attacks the growing tip is the main concern and can affect stem form; root rot occurs in waterlogged soil. Good drainage, early monitoring and removing damaged shoots help. Otherwise mahogany is fairly hardy.
Yield & Harvest
Usable timber generally needs 12 to 15 years and premium logs 20 years or more. Value depends on log girth and grade; mahogany timber has commonly been quoted around Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 per cubic foot, but actual realised prices vary by market. Per acre returns spread over the long rotation, so judge on yearly equivalent, not headline totals.
Cost & Profit
Mahogany can be a solid long-term asset, but capital is tied up for over a decade and online profit claims are often inflated. Returns depend on growth, log quality and the price you actually negotiate. Plan intercropping in early years and treat any single big figure with caution.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Buyers include furniture and plywood makers, sawmills and timber traders. Demand for good quality hardwood is steady but you may need to reach larger timber markets to get the best price for mature logs. Build market contacts before harvest.
Subsidy & Support
Mahogany can be supported as an agroforestry species under the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), which gives up to 50 percent assistance for quality planting material in states with relaxed transit rules. Felling and transit permit rules vary by state, so confirm with your District Forest Officer before harvest.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
How many years does mahogany take to harvest?
Are online mahogany profit figures reliable?
Do I need permits to harvest mahogany?
How do I get straight, high value mahogany logs?
Can I grow other crops between mahogany trees?
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