Barmer, July 11 -- In the heart of Rajasthan's arid Barmer district, where blistering temperatures and dry winds rule the land, a government doctor has planted a lush grove of white sandalwood trees in the desert soil. Driven by a deep-rooted passion for green innovation, Dr Jogesh Kumar, posted in Primary Health Centre in the Bheemda block, has a farm, in his ancestral 18-bigha farmland near Ratanali Nadi, with 900 thriving sandalwood trees, standing tall as symbols of determination, innovation, and eco-conscious farming. Known for its fragrant heartwood and oil used in high-end perfumes and skincare products, white sandalwood is notoriously difficult to grow outside the southern parts of India. It is a semi-parasitic plant that relies on nearby host trees for water and nutrients. "To create the right ecosystem, I planted more than a thousand host plants - including 500 casuarina, 100 khejri, 500 amla, 100 lemon, 50 guava and multiple fig trees. To further shield and support the plantation, 700 Malabar Neem trees have been planted along the boundary. These tall trees, now rising up to 35 feet, serve as a protective green wall against desert winds," he said. Explaining the challenges, he said: "I began the work for planting these trees in 2021. Hot winds and extreme temperatures are the biggest hurdles in cultivating sandalwood in the desert. To protect the young plants, I created a natural windbreak using rows of jowar (sorghum) and khejri trees, which act as a shield against the scorching winds. Additionally, I installed green netting and maintained consistent soil moisture through a drip irrigation system." Sharing the inspiration behind this challenging venture, he said: "In my younger days, I visited Karnataka, where I first came across the sandalwood tree - its fragrance and significance instantly captivated me. Years later, during a visit to the Kutch region of Gujarat, I met farmers successfully cultivating sandalwood. I realised that the climatic conditions in Kutch closely resemble those of our region. That sparked a thought - if farmers in Kutch can grow sandalwood, why can't we? That idea inspired me, and today, the results speak for themselves." Currently, around 400 of the 900 sandalwood plants have grown to heights of 8-10 feet - a clear indicator of the model's early success. The project showcases how scientific planning, soil conditioning, and smart irrigation can overcome even the harshest environmental challenges. White sandalwood trees typically become harvest-ready after 14 years. Each tree can fetch Rs.4 to Rs.5 lakh depending on size and oil content. Over a 20-25 year maturity period, the wood's value can soar to Rs.5 to Rs.35 lakh per tonne. Lauding Kumar's efforts, Banwari Lal, deputy director of the horticulture department in Barmer, said: "Years ago, cultivating dates and pomegranates in the desert seemed like a distant dream. But with modern techniques and determination, this region has now become a major hub for both. Similarly, Kumar's pioneering work in sandalwood farming could one day open a new chapter in desert agriculture and inspire many others. His initiative shows a promising ray of hope."...