White Sandalwood Farming in India 2026
India's most valuable aromatic timber, but a 15 plus year commitment with strict legal rules.
Overview
White sandalwood (Santalum album) is the true sandalwood prized worldwide for its fragrant heartwood and oil. It is a semi-parasitic tree that needs a host plant near its roots to grow well. Sandalwood is a genuinely long-term investment: usable heartwood and oil develop only after about 15 to 20 years, and value comes mainly from heartwood weight, not the whole tree. Be honest with yourself before planting. Felling and transport are regulated by the forest department in most states, though some states like Maharashtra have eased felling rules on private land in recent years. You must still verify current rules with your local District Forest Officer. Theft of mature trees is a real risk and many growers fence and guard plantations. Done correctly on suitable soil with patience, sandalwood can deliver strong returns, but it is not a get-rich-quick crop and figures vary widely.
Climate
Warm tropical to subtropical climate, 600 to 1600 mm rainfall, temperature 12 to 38 degrees Celsius. Grows from plains up to about 1200 m altitude. Cannot tolerate waterlogging or frost.
Soil
Well drained red sandy loam or lateritic soil is best, pH 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged sites. Slightly rocky, gravelly soils with good drainage suit it well.
Planting & Spacing
Common spacing is 10 ft x 10 ft giving about 435 trees per acre, or 12 ft x 12 ft giving about 300 per acre. A nitrogen fixing host such as red gram, casuarina or pongamia must be planted close to each sandalwood for its semi-parasitic feeding. Plant grafted or healthy nursery saplings at the start of the monsoon.
Varieties
There are no widely standardised named clones; planting material is mostly seedling or selected superior mother-tree progeny. Choose nurseries that supply healthy seedlings with proven heartwood-forming parentage and a suitable host plant.
Care & Management
Maintain the host plant throughout, weed regularly in early years, and give light irrigation in dry spells for the first 3 to 4 years. Avoid heavy fertiliser. Protect young plants from grazing and protect mature trees from theft with fencing and watch.
Pests & Diseases
Spike disease, a phytoplasma disorder, is the most serious problem and infected trees should be removed early. Watch for stem borers and root rot in poorly drained soil. Good drainage and healthy hosts reduce most problems.
Yield & Harvest
Heartwood and oil become commercially worthwhile only after about 15 to 20 years. Value depends on heartwood weight per tree, which can range from a few kg to 20 kg or more in older trees. Sandalwood heartwood prices have ranged widely, often quoted in lakhs of rupees per tonne, and oil commands very high rates. Always confirm felling and transit permits before harvest.
Cost & Profit
Returns can be substantial over a 15 to 20 year horizon, but this is a high patience, high risk crop. Income is locked up for many years, theft and disease can wipe out value, and quoted profits vary enormously by site and management. Treat any single profit figure with caution and plan intercropping for early years.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Buyers include the perfume and cosmetic industry, agarbatti makers, carvers, ayurvedic and pharmaceutical units, and government agencies. Some states route sandalwood sales through forest department auctions. Establish a clear legal sale channel before harvest.
Subsidy & Support
Sandalwood may qualify for support under the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), which gives up to 50 percent assistance for quality planting material, but SMAF applies only in states that have relaxed transit rules. Felling and transit permit requirements differ by state, so always check current rules with your District Forest Officer before planting and before harvest.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to grow sandalwood on private land in India?
How many years does sandalwood take to harvest?
Why does sandalwood need a host plant?
What is the biggest risk in sandalwood farming?
Where can I legally sell sandalwood?
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