In Alwar, Rajasthan, farmers have started applying sandalwood cultivation methods, moving away from traditional agricultural approaches. The cultivation of sandalwood, which was previously widespread in South India, is now being observed on the lands of Alwar. Sandalwood seedlings are actively growing here, attracting the attention of not only local residents but also farmers from remote villages.
Farmer Ramkrishna Mina from Malavali village, which is part of the Lakshmangarh district, Alwar, planted about 300 sandalwood seedlings on his plot. Notably, instead of direct field planting, he prepared the entire process scientifically. First, Ramkrishna sent his field soil for testing in Delhi. After receiving the laboratory report, the soil was sent to Bangalore, where sandalwood seedlings were grown in that same soil.
When the seedlings reached a height of approximately 4-5 feet, they were transported back to Rajasthan and planted in the field soil. These plants have now grown significantly and are showing good growth. According to Ramkrishna, he began preparing for sandalwood cultivation even before retiring from government service in 2023.
Information about sandalwood cultivation from social media
Ramkrishna explained that he wanted to do something different from traditional farming. While researching sandalwood, he began studying various sources. He watched many YouTube videos and used Google to gather necessary information about planting, care, and the sandalwood cultivation process itself. After this, he imported seedlings from Andhra Pradesh and started farming.
Ramkrishna emphasized that today social media serves not only as a means of entertainment. He used this platform to learn new agricultural technologies, which benefited him.
Other farmers are also studying sandalwood cultivation
Ramkrishna's success in sandalwood cultivation has generated increased interest among local farmers. He shares knowledge with other farmers about planting and caring for sandalwood seedlings. According to him, hundreds of farmers in the Rajgarh, Lakshmangarh, and Malakheda areas of Alwar are now planting sandalwood seedlings, and over 10,000 such plants have already been planted in the vicinity. Ramkrishna's farm has become a kind of training center for farmers who wish to see and understand sandalwood cultivation. Local residents come here to view the plants and receive agricultural consultations. This experiment by one farmer inspires others in the region to seek new opportunities beyond traditional agriculture.