# A Rajasthan Farmer Turned Desert Sand Into a Sandalwood Plantation, and Neighbours Are Taking Notes > Farmer Manoj Hudda from Gangiyasar village in Sikar district has planted 103 sandalwood saplings sourced from Karnataka on sandy land, setting a unique example that is now inspiring neighbouring farmers. **Type:** article · **Category:** Success Stories · **Published:** 2026-07-03 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/success-stories/sikar-ke-retile-kheta-men-lahalahaya-chndana-ka-bagicha-kisana-manoj-hudda-ka-prayoga-bana-misala-4350 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Sandalwood Farming, Sikar, Rajasthan Farmer, Gangiyasar Village, Manoj Hudda, Desert Farming, Karnataka Sandalwood Plants A farmer in Rajasthan's Sikar district has pulled off something local farmers once thought impossible, growing sandalwood on sandy desert land. Manoj Hudda from Gangiyasar village has planted sandalwood saplings on his sandy field, and the young trees are now thriving where only bajra and mustard were ever expected to grow. ## A shift away from traditional crops Rajasthan has long been known for its sand dunes and for crops like bajra and mustard. But as times change, farmers across the state are moving beyond traditional farming toward newer, more profitable crops. The story from Gangiyasar village in Sikar district is a striking example of this shift. On land where people could once barely imagine sandalwood cultivation, green sandalwood saplings are now flourishing. It is being seen as a one of a kind first attempt in the region. Manoj says that if farming is done scientifically and with proper planning, even desert land can give farmers better profits. ## Soil and water tested before taking the plunge Manoj Hudda says he did not rush into sandalwood farming. Before starting, he first got the soil and water on his field scientifically tested. Only after the test report showed that conditions were favourable for sandalwood did he decide to move forward. The whole idea began with advice from a friend, after which Manoj gathered detailed information about sandalwood cultivation and started the venture with full preparation. ## 103 saplings brought from Karnataka, all still standing Manoj ordered 103 sandalwood saplings from Karnataka and planted them on his field. Planted roughly a year ago, all 103 saplings are safe today and developing well. Their survival has boosted Manoj's confidence considerably. He says many people initially called the experiment risky, but he refused to give up and kept caring for the plants continuously. Regular irrigation, proper nutrition and management based on expert scientific advice have kept the saplings healthy. ## A tree ready in 12 years, worth lakhs of rupees According to Manoj, sandalwood farming is a long term investment, but the payoff is just as big. With proper care and favourable conditions, a single sandalwood tree, ready in about 12 years, can fetch a value running into lakhs of rupees. That is why farmers in several states across the country are now being drawn toward sandalwood cultivation. ## Now an inspiration for neighbouring farmers Manoj Hudda's experiment is fast becoming an inspiration for farmers in the surrounding area. Several farmers are visiting his field to understand the finer points of sandalwood cultivation and to gauge its potential. Manoj believes that if farmers adopt new, high value crops alongside traditional farming, their income can rise significantly. Through sheer determination, scientific thinking and hard work, he has proved that the fragrance of sandalwood can spread even across sandy dunes. ## What this means for you This story matters most for farmers looking to move beyond traditional crops. - **Across India:** Farmers in sandy or dry regions now have a real example of a long term, high value crop like sandalwood that could help raise incomes. - **In Sikar, Rajasthan:** Farmers around Gangiyasar village are already visiting Manoj Hudda's field to learn sandalwood cultivation, which could boost adoption of the crop in the area. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Where is Manoj Hudda from? He is from Gangiyasar village in Sikar district, Rajasthan. ### 2. How many sandalwood saplings has he planted? He ordered and planted 103 sandalwood saplings from Karnataka on his field. ### 3. When were these saplings planted? They were planted about a year ago. ### 4. How long does it take for a sandalwood tree to be ready? With proper care and favourable conditions, it takes about 12 years. ### 5. How much profit can sandalwood farming bring? A properly cared for sandalwood tree can fetch a value running into lakhs of rupees. ### 6. Where did Manoj get the idea for sandalwood farming? The idea came from advice given by a friend. ### 7. What precaution did Manoj take before starting the farming? He first got his field's soil and water scientifically tested and started only after the report showed favourable conditions. ## Inspiration & Lessons Manoj Hudda's story shows that careful planning and patience can bring big change even in tough conditions. - **Preparation before action:** He reduced risk by getting the soil and water scientifically tested before starting the venture. - **Acting on good advice:** He took a friend's suggestion seriously and gathered detailed knowledge about sandalwood cultivation before committing. - **Staying firm despite criticism:** Many called the experiment risky, but he refused to give up. - **The value of consistent care:** Regular irrigation and scientific management kept all 103 saplings safe and healthy. - **Thinking long term:** He invested patiently for a payoff that only arrives after 12 years, showing planning beyond short term gains. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._