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Questions about sandalwood cultivation, government permits, market prices, or starting your own plantation? Our team is here to help.

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Office Address
Sandalwood India
Malleswaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
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Working Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday & public holidays: Closed

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🏛️ Official Government Helplines

KFDC — Karnataka+91-80-2340-0130 · Sandalwood procurement & licensing
APFDC — Andhra/Telangana+91-866-2477-730 · Red & white sandalwood
IWST-ICFREResearch & certified seedlings · iwst.icfre.gov.in
State Forest DeptContact your District Forest Officer (DFO) for permits
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about sandalwood farming in India.

Can I grow sandalwood on my private land legally?
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Yes! Most Indian states allow sandalwood cultivation on private land. Key states like Karnataka (since 2001), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan all permit private cultivation. You must register your plantation with the local Forest Department within 6 months of planting. Check your specific state's current notification for the latest rules.
How much land is needed for profitable cultivation?
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A minimum of 1 acre is recommended for commercial viability. With 4×4m spacing, you can plant 250 trees per acre. At ₹10,000/tree heartwood value (conservative estimate), 1 acre = ₹25 lakh after 25 years. However, larger plantations (5+ acres) give significantly better economies of scale for irrigation, labor, and security costs. Many successful growers operate 10–50 acres.
Do I need host plants? Which are the best?
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YES — White Sandalwood (Santalum album) is SEMI-PARASITIC and REQUIRES host plants to survive and form heartwood. Best hosts ranked by effectiveness: (1) Tephrosia purpurea — most effective primary host. (2) Cassia siamea — excellent secondary host. (3) Casuarina equisetifolia. (4) Pongamia pinnata. (5) Casuarina. (6) Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) — works as crop AND host. Plant hosts 2–3 months BEFORE sandalwood. Important: Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) does NOT need host plants.
When is the best time to plant sandalwood?
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June–July (onset of monsoon) is the best time for transplanting — natural rainfall provides initial irrigation. February–March planting with drip irrigation also works well. Avoid: April–May (peak summer heat stresses seedlings), and December–January (cold nights in northern states). Always plant host plants 2–3 months BEFORE sandalwood.
Can I sell sandalwood directly to any buyer?
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No — sandalwood cannot be sold directly to any buyer. The sale process requires: (1) Obtain Felling Permission from DFO. (2) Hire licensed wood contractors for harvest. (3) Get Transit Pass from Forest Range Officer. (4) Sell to KFDC/APFDC/licensed wood depots ONLY. The buyer must hold a valid timber license issued by the state Forest Department. Selling without these permits constitutes illegal trade — even if the tree is on your own land.
What is the ROI from sandalwood farming?
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ROI estimates (per acre, 250 trees, 25 years): Total investment ≈ ₹2–4 lakh (seedlings ₹80K + irrigation ₹80K + labor ₹60K + other ₹80K). Expected yield: 250 trees × 15kg heartwood = 3,750 kg. At ₹8,000/kg (Grade B conservative) = ₹3 crore gross. Net after costs ≈ ₹2.5–2.8 crore. ROI: 625–700% over 25 years. Annual equivalent: ~25–28% per annum. This makes sandalwood one of the highest-return long-term investments in Indian agriculture.
What is spike disease and how to prevent it?
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Spike disease is caused by phytoplasma and is the most devastating disease of white sandalwood — there is NO chemical cure. Prevention steps: (1) Use ONLY certified, disease-free planting material from KFDC/IWST nurseries. (2) Monitor for symptoms monthly — shortened internodes, small pale leaves. (3) Remove and burn infected trees immediately. Do not compost. (4) Control leafhopper insects (the vector) using Imidacloprid 17.8SL at 0.5ml/liter, twice annually. (5) Maintain plantation hygiene — clear dead wood and debris. (6) Quarantine any affected area with buffer zone.