77-Year-Old Nalagarh Farmer Cultivates Sandalwood, Earns Lakhs in 40-Degree Heat

• Nurata Ram Thakur, a 77-year-old farmer from Bhangla village, Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, is successfully cultivating white sandalwood.
• He planted 100 sandalwood saplings on one acre, with 70 now 8 years old, significantly increasing his income.
• Sandalwood cultivation offers higher profits compared to traditional crops like paddy and wheat, despite a longer maturation period.
• Nurata Ram emphasizes the need for a host plant for sandalwood growth and suitable conditions like sloping land and specific soil pH.
• He encourages other farmers by selling sandalwood seeds at ₹20 each, promoting economic benefits through such cultivation.

Why It Matters: A 77-year-old Nalagarh farmer demonstrates profitable sandalwood cultivation, inspiring others with his success.