Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Rajasthan Doctor Cultivates Sandalwood Forest in Desert Despite Setbacks
A doctor named Jogesh was inspired to grow sandalwood trees in the very dry desert of Rajasthan.
His first try in 2021 failed because tiny bugs called termites ate all the baby trees.
He lost a lot of money.
But Jogesh didn't give up!
He studied a lot, even watching videos and talking to scientists.
He learned that sandalwood needs other 'host' plants to help it grow and needs careful watering with drip irrigation.
He also learned how to protect the trees from termites and hot winds.
Now, his 20-acre farm is like a small forest with about 900 sandalwood trees, plus many fruit and timber trees.
It takes many years for sandalwood to grow, but Jogesh is happy with the peace his farm brings him, even more than the money it might make.
Dr. Jogesh Choudhary, a doctor from Rajasthan, is cultivating sandalwood in the desert region of Barmer.
An initial attempt in 2021 to plant 900 saplings failed due to termite infestation, resulting in a significant financial loss.
Dr. Choudhary's success relies on scientific planning, including the use of host plants, drip irrigation, and termite protection.
His 20-bigha farm now features approximately 900 sandalwood trees intercropped with fruit and timber species.
Sandalwood cultivation in Rajasthan is possible under specific conditions and requires a long-term commitment, with trees taking 12-15 years to mature.
- Who
- Dr. Jogesh Choudhary, a senior medical officer
- What
- Successfully cultivating sandalwood in the Rajasthan desert by overcoming initial setbacks
- When
- Project initiated in 2021, with a renewed attempt in 2022
- Where
- Bheemda village, Barmer district, Rajasthan
- Why
- Inspired by sandalwood plantations in Karnataka and Gujarat, aiming to grow a sustainable crop in arid conditions and finding personal peace.
Skeptics
Supporters
Feasibility and Economic Viability
Skeptics
Sandalwood farming in Rajasthan's desert conditions presents significant challenges and may not be economically feasible for small and medium farmers due to the long gestation period and specific environmental requirements.
Supporters
With scientific planning, proper irrigation, host plants, and termite management, sandalwood farming can be successfully and sustainably cultivated in Rajasthan, potentially yielding attractive long-term returns.
- Location
- Bheemda village, Barmer district, Rajasthan
- Profession
- Medical officer
- Initial Attempt Year
- 2021
- Initial Sapling Count
- 900
- Farm Size
- 20 bigha
- Intercropped Species
- Guava, pomegranate, amla, neem, Casuarina, teak, Malabar neem
- Key Success Factors
- Host plants, drip irrigation, termite protection, shelterbelts
- Maturity Period
- 12-15 years