AISFPMF
For Farmers

Cultivation resources for sandalwood growers

Practical guidance aggregated for AISFPMF farmer members. Always consult a local expert for site-specific advice.

Nursery & sapling selection

Choose disease-free saplings from reputable nurseries. Prefer saplings raised with a compatible host from an early stage.

Host-plant selection

Santalum album is hemi-parasitic. Suitable long-term hosts include Casuarina, Pongamia and select leguminous species.

Planting layout

Common spacings range between 3×3 m to 4×4 m depending on intercropping and host arrangement. Avoid waterlogged plots.

Water management

Well-drained soils are essential. Drip irrigation in the establishment phase (years 1–4) reduces mortality.

Care & pruning

Regular weeding, pest scouting and light formative pruning during juvenile years. Avoid over-fertilisation.

Long-cycle records

Maintain GPS-tagged plantation records, planting date, sapling source and photographs for permit and traceability purposes.

Plantation timeline at a glance

  1. Year 0–1
    Site prep, planting with host
  2. Year 2–4
    Establishment, weeding, irrigation
  3. Year 5–10
    Heartwood begins to form in inner core
  4. Year 12–15
    Commercial harvest window (subject to permits)