19. Indian Sandalwood Cultivation Prospects in India

Sandalwood (Santalum album L) is a hemiparasite requiring the support of a primary and secondary host for its optimal growth which can be exploited in agroforestry. It has almost all the attributes required for a multipurpose tree species in agroforestry. Farmers also recognize the requirement for quality planting stock material (QPM) of sandalwood. Farmers across India have been experimenting with various horticultural species as long term secondary hosts in sandalwood plantations. There is also increasing recognition for intercropping with suitable annual crops in the interspaces of plantations as it can be a source of interim income for sustaining plantation expenses during the long gestation period. Available data on sandalwood-based agroforestry practices’ financial viability show a positive trend that can promote this venture. Liberalization of rules leading to an open market economy from the current monopsony practices may further encourage sandalwood agroforestry in India.