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New Delhi. Do you know that you can become a millionaire by planting a few trees? Yes, this is not a joke. Long term investment in agriculture and horticulture sector is giving income worth crores to the people. In India, trees like sandalwood, teak, bamboo give wood and oil worth lakhs of rupees in 10-20 years. Government schemes (like Agroforestry and National Bamboo Mission) and increasing export demand further increase profits.
Secret of earning: Sandalwood heartwood and oil are among the most expensive natural products in the world. 1 kg of wood is sold for ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 50,000, while its oil goes for ₹ 1-2 lakh per liter.
Investment and Returns: About 400 plants are planted in 1 acre, the cost is ₹ 5-10 lakh. In 15-20 years, 20-30 kg of wood is obtained from one tree, due to which the total return can reach ₹ 5-10 crore per acre.
2. Teak (Teak – Tectona grandis) Secret of earning: Teak is called the ‘king wood of furniture’. Its demand is very high in countries like Europe and America, due to which the export value is continuously increasing.
Investment and Returns: Planting 500 saplings in 1 acre costs ₹3-5 lakh. After 12-20 years, each tree gives ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh, i.e. total return of ₹2-5 crore per acre.
3. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Secret of earning: Mahogany is used for luxury furniture and boats. Its price is almost double that of teak, and due to its fast growing species, it is becoming the choice of farmers.
Investment and Returns: Planting 400 saplings in 1 acre costs ₹4-7 lakh. Every tree gives a return of ₹1-3 lakh in 10-15 years, i.e. earning up to ₹3-8 crore per acre.
4. Bamboo (Bamboo – Bambusa spp.) Secret of earning: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant, and harvesting is possible every year. It is used in furniture, paper, textile and biofuel industries. The government also gives subsidy under the Bamboo Mission.
Investment and Returns: The cost of 1000 plants in 1 acre is ₹ 2-4 lakh. After 4-6 years, one can earn ₹ 5-10 lakh every year, i.e. ₹ 50 lakh to ₹ 1 crore in 10 years.
5. Agar (Agarwood – Aquilaria malaccensis) Secret of earning: Agar i.e. ‘Oud’ oil is the most expensive aromatic product in the world, whose price ranges from ₹ 1-5 crore per kg. It is in great demand in Arab countries for perfume and religious purposes.
Investment and Returns: 500 plants in 1 acre costs ₹10-20 lakh. With the inoculation technique, 50 grams to 1 kg of oil can be extracted from each tree in 7-15 years, due to which returns of ₹ 5-20 crore per acre are possible.
