Yes, you can grow sandalwood in your backyard!

City-based farmland, Siri Sampada is on its way to bringing back the past glory to Indian Sandalwood. Since the beginning of time Sandalwood (Santalum album) has been looked upon as the 'gold standard' amongst the plant species. How lucky would you be to grow the priced wood in your backyard?

To encourage afforestation, Siri Sampada Farmlands brings home 'The Golden Woods' through ethical and scientific farming practices. Recently, the organisation gave away sandalwood saplings to people in order to help them plant the scented wood in their backyards. In addition, they provided tips on its cultivation at home.

Speaking to the CityTAB, marketing manager of Siri Sampada Raj Kumar says, “Sandalwood grows in a mixture of red fertile soil and sand. When we give the sapling to people, we make sure that there is suitable soil available to grow the plant.”

Backed with advanced crop management practices from the best brains in this field, Siri Sampada aims to be the largest producer of Sandalwood in India, nurturing the species.

Explaining the conditions of growth for the plant, Raj Kumar says, “The first two years require the most care as it is very delicate during that period. Once it starts getting sufficient minerals the plant can grow in a healthy way. Sandalwood sapling should be planted along with other plants as it takes minerals from the roots of the existing plant. That’s why it is said that this plant is grown with the help of a host tree.”

Scientifically, Sandalwood has many benefits and is considered as a cure to many ailments. Elaborating on its many uses, Raj says, “Apart from the beautiful fragrance, it fights against mosquitoes from entering your home. In addition, there is a sacred significance to sandalwood; it is used for worshiping all Gods and Goddesses especially, Lord Narasimha Swamy. Apart from its abound beauty secrets, people use sandalwood during welcoming guests at functions like house warming, festivals, marriages and Vratams.

Commenting on the significance of Indian Sandalwood, he says, “The current supplies of Sandalwood hardly meet 5 per cent of the global demand. There is a reason for the world wanting Indian sandalwood and that being the best of its values and properties can be obtained when it is growing on the soil it originated in.”

Overall, Siri Sampada is working towards making organic plantation a norm so that we have a better environment.

By:Divya Vallabhaneni