Farmer Turns 1000 Sandalwood Trees into 15 Crore Fortune

• Alpesh Patel of Bharuch, Gujarat, invested ₹10 lakh in 2003 to plant 1000 sandalwood saplings on five acres.
• After 15 years, his patience paid off, yielding ₹15 crore from sandalwood sales, earning him recognition from the Gujarat government.
• Sandalwood, known as 'green gold,' offers high returns despite being a long-term investment, with one lakh rupees potentially yielding 10-15 times profit.
• Inspired by Alpesh's success, Punjab is also promoting sandalwood cultivation, with the Forest Department and farmers like Arun Khurmi actively involved.
• Suitable for various climates and specific soil types, sandalwood cultivation requires proper planning, patience, and guidance for financial success.

Why It Matters: Sandalwood cultivation, though long-term, offers immense financial returns, transforming farmers' fortunes with strategic planning.