Is it legal to grow sandalwood?
Growing sandalwood by individuals was banned until 2002. Today, we can grow the trees but it is illegal to cut and harvest the wood, use it or sell it in the open market. Permission is required from the state forest department, which sends its officials to cut the tree and buy the sandalwood.
Why is growing sandalwood illegal?
The bark contains tannin, which is used for dye. Because S. album is highly valued in India and uncontrolled harvesting have cause populations to dwindle in recent years, India has imposed an export ban on Sandalwood and instated conservation measures to protect the species in the country.
How do I start a sandalwood farm?
Before starting plantation of sandalwood tree plow the field until you get excellent tilth and weed free soil. Also, prepare the soil in such a way that the water in heavy rain or floods is easily come out from the drain. Sandalwood cultivation process can be done by seeds and vegetatively through tissue culture.
How many sandalwood trees can be planted in an acre?
200 sandalwood trees
More than 200 sandalwood trees can be grown on one acre of land. KSDL has also tied up with public and private institutions, including the BSF campus at Yelahanka in Bengaluru, to grow the aromatic wood.
Can I grow sandalwood in USA?
Grow Indian sandalwood in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. Most are hot-weather plants, such as black acacia, which thrives in USDA zones 10 through 12.
Why do snakes live on sandalwood trees?
Why do snakes stick to sandalwood trees? Do they like the fragrance of sandalwood or is it something else. As far as the labor of snakes is concerned, scientists have proved that snakes do not have the labor of smell. They take stock of the surrounding environment with their tongue.
How many years does it take to grow sandalwood tree?
Sandal trees can be grown in all types of soil except marshy land. It needs at least 15 to 20 years to procure sandal wood from the tree. A tree may be cut after attaining a girth (circumference) of 242 to 3 feet at the chest height of the tree. The hearth wood starts developing after 7 years.
How much is a sandalwood tree worth?
After the age of seven to eight years, the heartwood of a sandalwood tree grows by 1 kg every year, and its market price is between Rs 3,000 and Rs 6,000 per kg. It is the only wood in the world to be sold by weight.
Why is sandalwood so expensive?
Sandalwood oil is sought after because of its soft, creamy, and long-lasting scent that it produces. Unfortunately, the production of Sandalwood has decreased while the demand continues to increase. It is on its way to becoming extinct, and that’s what makes Sandalwood so expensive.