Past, present and future of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) cultivation and commercial prospects

The sandalwood (Santalum album) tree holds significant commercial and cultural value globally, particularly in India. Among the 17 species within the Santalum genus, Santalum album stands out due to its high oil content and the presence of favorable compounds such as α-and β-santalols. The wood of this species is highly prized for carving and its aromatic heartwood oil is widely used in attar, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, toiletries, medicinal products, flavored tobacco, and areca nut products. Despite its historical significance, sandalwood is vulnerable and endangered due to legal policies, illegal harvesting, grazing, lopping, natural fires, exotic plantations, sandalwood spike disease, and climate change. The combination of increased demand and declining supply has led to a surge in sandalwood prices, attracting attention from farmers, policymakers, and the industry sector, prompting interest in commercial cultivation. This has sparked global involvement from various countries, government agencies, industries, research disciplines, industry representatives, and sandalwood growers. This article offers a thorough review of sandalwood utilization, legal issues, and management challenges. It draws on literature and expert insights to assess current practices and research findings. The study identifies critical factors such as the number of hosts, host type, and planting geometry that influence successful establishment and production in farmers' fields. It also highlights obstacles and opportunities for the future sustainability of sandalwood, aiming to guide effective management and policy strategies for this valuable resource. The government of India has initiated policy-level changes regarding the ownership, cultivation, and harvesting of sandalwood trees, encouraging many farmers to cultivate on private land even beyond its natural boundaries. However, the complexity of sandalwood cultivation requires further scientific introspection to ensure successful establishment and sustainable management in the future.