Earn ₹4 Crores from Sandalwood Farming: Kavita Mishra’s Inspiring Agroforestry Success
The face of Indian farming is changing, and agroforestry with sandalwood cultivation is at the forefront of this transformation. Farmers are now realizing that relying on a single crop limits income potential, while diversified farming ensures stability and long-term profit.
One such shining example is Kavita Mishra, a determined farmer from Madhya Pradesh, who turned her land into a ₹4 crore success story through the perfect blend of sandalwood farming and integrated agroforestry.
What Makes Agroforestry a Game-Changer?
Agroforestry is a sustainable farming model that combines crops, fruit trees, timber trees, and even livestock on the same land. It creates a self-sustaining ecosystem, enhances soil fertility, and reduces dependence on chemicals and excessive irrigation.
This method not only benefits the environment but also ensures farmers have multiple income streams throughout the year. For regions with low rainfall or poor soil, agroforestry is proving to be a life-changing solution.
Kavita Mishra initially faced setbacks with pomegranate farming, but market instability pushed her toward agroforestry. Today, her farm has 2,500 sandalwood trees along with pomegranates, mangoes, guavas, and custard apples forming a profitable green haven.
The ₹4 Crore Potential of Sandalwood Farming
Sandalwood, often called the “pension crop,” is in high demand for its aromatic heartwood and oil. A single tree yields 20–25 kg of heartwood in 10–15 years, fetching ₹15,000–₹20,000 per kg.
With proper spacing and care, an acre of land with 500 sandalwood trees can generate around ₹4 crores over its lifecycle. Kavita has further increased her earnings potential by adding teak and mahogany, targeting a projected ₹10 crores in 15 years.
Her farm also includes cows, sheep, and native chickens, producing organic manure and additional income from milk, eggs, and wool—making her business model both diversified and resilient.
How You Can Start Sandalwood Farming
High-quality Indian sandalwood seeds are soaked in organic Jeevamrit for better germination and planted with proper host trees like casuarina to support their semi-parasitic growth. Annual pruning, careful water management, and strong security measures are essential.
Sandalwood thrives in arid zones and needs minimal water, making it perfect for climate-resilient farming. Proper planning ensures not just profit, but also environmental benefits like biodiversity, soil conservation, and carbon absorption.
A Symbol of Women Empowerment in Agriculture
Kavita’s journey is more than just an agricultural success—it’s a story of perseverance and entrepreneurship. From facing family opposition to employing over 20 people, she has transformed into a role model for farmers across India.
Her experience shows that embracing sustainable farming models like agroforestry with sandalwood cultivation can turn land into a multi-crore asset. It’s not just farming; it’s future-proof wealth creation.
