ZERO HUNGER

Santalum album L. (East Indian Sandalwood) is a medium-sized semi-parasitic tree which can reach to a height of 33 to 66 feet. It is called as a miracle tree because of its immense uses in trade and traditional form of medicine in South East Asia. As it is semi parasitic in nature it prefers to “steal” nutrients from the roots of nearby plants by using tube-like structures (modified roots) called haustoria. It is mentioned in ancient scriptures of India that every part of sandalwood is used for some or the other benefit of human beings.

Essential oils of sandalwood have antispasmodic (relieve spasm of muscles), antibacterial (kill bacteria) and antiviral (kill viruses) properties. Sandalwood is used in the treatment of inflammation, skin disorders, rashes, cough, fever, flu, hypertension and restlessness. Essential oils are used to improve the functioning of liver, heart and stomach and to strengthen the gums of teeth and muscles. The fragrant oil from the wood is one of the choicest perfumery material in the world and is recently reported to be highly effective in the treatment of breast cancer too.

Seeds of sandalwood also yield an invaluable oil which although does not contain any fragrant components but is bestowed with a unique compound named “XYMNEMIC ACID” which has an immense anti-oxidant property which is being utilised in cosmetic industry world over. Tender leaves of sandalwood are rich in polyphenols which have potential anti-hypertensive propertie

Historically, Sandalwood was declared as a “ROYAL TREE” by Tipu Sultan in 18^th Century and since then it was treated as a state property irrespective of where it was growing. This lead to immense pressure on the natural populations of Sandalwood in Karnataka, illegal felling by infamous Veerappan between 70s to late 90s further led to the decline of sandalwood. It was not until 2001 when the Government of Karnataka relaxed rules for sandalwood cultivation, the farmers took interest and since then plantations in small scale have started coming up.

Hosachiguru, pioneering in commercial cultivation of sandalwood since the year 2010. The company is involved in scientific cultivation of Sandalwood in most of its farms.  It aims to be one of the largest sandalwood growers in South India by the year 2025 with several acres of plantations under its management.

Agroforestry is a low-cost method of integrated land management where trees are cultivated along with cash crops. Cultivating trees in combination with crops and cattle is an ancient traditional practice across South-east Asia. In India, the practice of growing sacred trees scattered across farms is an age-old practice. Most efforts in agroforestry have been focused on the biophysical benefits of enhancing the environment. Hosachiguru farms revive agroforestry by spotlighting both its biophysical and socio-economic benefits to the community.

A 2017 report by the World Wildlife Fund and the Planning Commission of India, projected a severe shortage of timber supply in India from both domestic and international sources by 2020. Moreover, India is the third largest importer of illegally logged timber (after China and Vietnam), contributing to 9.4% of the total illegal timber import in the world (Gan, et al., 2016). With fertile land, tropical climate, and appropriate irrigation techniques, agroforestry can promote an ‘Atmanirbhar’ Indian timber supply chain, reducing the requirement for timber imports while supporting local economies of scale. Annually, India consumes an estimated 69 million cum* of timber (Shrivastava & Saxena, 2017). To cater to the rising demand of timber and forest produce, India needs to make sustainable use of its underutilised and unproductive wastelands by developing them into cultivable agroforest systems. Agroforestry will not only improve the productivity of timber in India but will also protect forests from deterioration by anthropogenic factors, such as illegal logging, encroachment and climate change.

Agroforestry model works on the principle of interaction between two systems (forests and agriculture) and the effect of one on the other. Agroforestry can be broadly classified into two types:

Simultaneous systems, where trees and crops are grown together in distinct spatial arrangements. Eg: Trees on cropland or trees intercropped with seasonal crops.

1. Sequential systems, where trees and crops are grown in rotation. Eg: crop harvest followed by tree harvests (grown alternately).

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is an internationally popular mechanism that encourages landowners or farmers to plant trees on their agricultural land. PES is a scheme employed by several international governments to increase green cover. It is a market-based approach to improve environmental management of agricultural lands that provides monetary compensation to land stewards for ecosystem conservation. (Milder, et al., 2010). In essence it is a scheme that pays ‘cash for conservation’. Most PES budgets are a drain on government resources and funds. Latin American countries like Costa Rica, Brazil & Ecuador have seen great success with PES, alleviating poverty and expanding green cover (UNDP, 2020). At Hosachiguru, we have developed a holistic approach that is fundamentally aligned with the motivation behind PES, but we support an increase in green cover which is highly profitable and triggers a cascade of socio-economic benefits for the whole community.

Biophysical Benefits of Agro forestry

The controlled interaction between the forest and agriculture systems creates conditions that are mutually favourable. The benefits from these interactions include:

• Improved Soil Fertility: Chemical soil fertility is improved as the agroforestry model increases the bioavailability of essential nutrients in the soil. Physical and Biological fertility is improved as the soil structure and water holding capacity increases.

Chemical Soil Fertility

Carbon	Trees and crops create an active pool of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) through litter, root turnover, tree pruning & crop residues
Nitrogen	Intercropping increases, soil nitrogen by increasing nitrogen fixation, deep soil nitrogen capture and reduced leaching
Phosphorous	Aids in the critical transformation of inorganic-P to absorbable organic-P
Ca, Mg, K (Cations) & Al	Cations are relocated in the soil profile and Al is detoxified by organic acids.

Source: Adapted from Rao, et. al., 1998

• Reduced levels of Soil Erosion: Strong & deep-rooted trees bind soil, increase its porosity, store soil moisture and reduce run-off and leaching.
• Increased Nutrient Cycling of organic matter and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca)
• Higher Crop Yields: As a result of increased nutrient availability, crop yield is higher
• Induces Favourable Micro-climate conditions: Tree canopies provide shade, reduced soil and air temperature and intercept and re-distribute rainfall (Rao, et al., 1998).
• Reduced Competition: Agroforestry induces sharing of growth resources such as light, water and soil nutrients.
• Increased soil microbial biodiversity: Micro-flora and fauna populations increase along with rhizobial microbes that help in nitrogen fixing.
• Watershed protection: Agroforestry model ensures higher soil water retention capacity and increases the water table by refilling aquifers.

Hosachiguru’s agroforestry model is managed and operated by our agronomy experts who carefully select trees and crops that are complementary rather than competitive.  The deep-root system of trees creates little to no interference with the shallow root systems of crops and therefore the agroforestry model in itself favours polyculture of different species.

Socio-economic Benefits of Agroforestry

The National Agricultural Policy (2000) notes that ‘Agriculture has become a relatively unrewarding profession due to generally unfavourable price regime and low value addition’, which has caused a spike in migration to urban centres in India. Hosachiguru, makes agriculture an enticing opportunity and creates value addition through the revival of agroforestry. The large scale of operations lowers the set-up cost, as we cross-leverage resources between several projects, improving resource efficiency. Cross-leveraging of resources also allows our operations to function in the most environmentally sustainable manner.

Hosachiguru agro-farms also support local economies by creating jobs for marginalised rural communities and building a supply chain of product delivery (timber, fruits, vegetables, crops). Socio-economic conditions of the rural populations have seen a positive impact from our operations. The biophysical benefits of agroforestry significantly reduce the chances of crop failure. The primary advantage of agroforestry is the economic benefits it provides.

Agroforests as Carbon Sinks: Agroforestry systems have been identified as high potential carbon sinks and have the capacity to drastically alter local climate. Their ability to sequester carbon, positions them to be a critical climate change mitigation strategy for India. It has been found that in tropical regions, small scale argo-farms can sequester (capture) 1.5-3.5 MgCha^-1yr^-1(Roshetko, et al., 2007). Not only do they capture atmospheric carbon, they also store carbon in the accumulated biomass from leaf litter in soil humus. Agroforestry essentially offsets the carbon footprint of operating a community scale managed farmland. In the future, the majority of carbon sequestration will happen through agroforests as much of the available arable land in India is being cultivated.

Green Gold: As economies across the world are coping with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, timber is outshining even the traditional gold and silver values. Previously, considered as a low-income investment, timber today has almost doubled in its value. The new work-from-home lifestyle has skyrocketed furniture sales as we redesign our home offices. Timber is a time-tested sustainable asset that has witnessed, a value growth rate higher than gold during the pandemic. Cultivating timber or ‘Green Gold’ has been native to the Indian-subcontinent. However, as timber resources are dwindling, future projections reveal that timber assets will support additional wealth creation opportunities.
https://youtu.be/FwVylHLf63g

The Green India Mission, under its 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aims to restore 6Mha** of degraded forest land (Government of India, 2008; Pandve, H T., 2009). Agriculture and food production have been identified as the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather fluctuations. NAPCC has recommended ‘agroforestry’ as a mechanism to develop climate resilient crops. Hosachiguru is pioneering the revival of agroforestry, creating a unique opportunity for our customers to support India’s green economy while reaping the benefits of sustainable agriculture.

*cum: cubic metres

**Mha- Million Hectares

References

Gan, J. et al., 2016. Chapter 3: Quantifying Illegal Logging and Related Timber Trade. In: D. Kleinschmit, S. Mansourian, C. Wildburger & A. Purret, eds. Illegal Logging and related timber trade- Dimensions, Drivers, Impacts and rResponses.. s.l.:IUFRO World Series 35, pp. 37-60.

Shrivastava , S. & Saxena, A. K., 2017. Wood is Good: But is India doing enough to meet its present and future needs?, s.l.: Centre for Science and Environment.

Rao, M. R., Nair, P. K. R. & Ong, C. K., 1998. Biophysical interactions in tropical agroforestry systems. Agroforestry Systems, Volume 38, pp. 3-50.

Roshetko, J. M., Lasco, R. D. & Angeles, M. S. D., 2007. Small holder agroforestry systems for carbon storage. Mitigation and adaptation strategies for Global change, Volume 12, pp. 219-242.

Puri, S. & Nair, P. K. R., 2004. Agroforestry research for development in India: 25 years of experience of a national program. Agroforestry Systems, Volume 61, pp. 437-452.

Milder, J. C., Scherr, S. J. & Bracer, C., 2010. Trends and Future Potential of Payment for Ecosystem Services to Alleviate Rural Poverty in Developing Countries. Ecology and Society, 15(2), pp. 1-19.

UNDP, 2020. Financing solutions for Sustainable Development. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sdfinance.undp.org/content/sdfinance/en/home/solutions/payments-for-ecosystem-services.html#mst-5
[Accessed 6 August 2020].

Pandve, H. T., 2009. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. Indian Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine, 13(1), pp. 17-19.

Government of India, 2008. National Action Plan on Climate Change, New Delhi: Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change.

Sustainable Water Management in Agriculture

Water is considered to be the most important resource for sustainable farming development worldwide. The fresh water supplies are already being diverted from agriculture to meet the rising demand of domestic and industrial use. The sustainable use of irrigation water must be greatly focused for farming in arid areas. India has already started witnessing water scarcity, which will only get worse going forward. To address this issue, Ashok J, Co Founder and Chairman of Hosachiguru, an agriculture expert shares his ideas and techniques to the improvement of water management in farms.

According to Ashok, the golden rule to efficient water management is Reduce-Recycle-Reuse at all stages of farming activities. Some of them may be used concurrently or separately. Read on to find out what Ashok says on efficient water management.

1. Plant density & Diversity: Optimize the distance between rows of primary plants and varieties of the saplings you plant. It is important to incorporate “companion plants” that complement each other. This will help to rationalize the water demand.

“Optimizing density of Primary Plants and incorporation of companion plants that are suitable for local conditions help us manage water demand better.”

2. Wonder Gel: Both in basal dose and in initial soil application incorporate small dose of Hydrogels. During Basal Dose add up to 20 grams / plant and at every Soil Application add 5 grams / plant (or less). This will help hold water and fertilizers for longer duration in the root zone and can reduce water application by 20% and fertilizer application by 10%.

“In semiarid regions, like our farm locations, use of hydrogels shown good benefits in moisture retention and reduced transplanting stress”

Hydrogels are available from different companies starting from UPL, Coromandel, etc

3. Magic Pits: In every 5 rows of primary plants, dig pits of 1 ft X 3 ft X 2 Ft (depth) at 20 ft interval and dump cut weeds into these pits. Add Hydrogel and activated BioChar into them. Grow cover crops regularly.

“These Magic Pits help in multiple ways as given below:

• These pits will help divert and store rainwater
• Work as soaking pits and improve ground water
• Help locally compost agriculture waste
• Will work as “go-to” zone for root systems nearby to uptake nutrients and moisture.”

4. Early morning or evening irrigation: Ensure that you have suitable pump and power source to irrigate when the ambient temperatures are low. As temperatures are relatively lower, it helps in moisture retention for longer hours before evaporation starts due to sun – You save water!

“In principle irrigating when sun is absent will help conserve water and retain moisture longer time.”

This can be automated using time based pump irrigation systems. A lot of start ups are focusing on Sim controller based pumps that help in semi automation of irrigation. Please verify past installations to ensure good functioning of the same.

5. Bore Well recharge: For each bore well create a collection pit of 5ft x 5 ft x 10 ft (depth) size. Add holes to the bore pipe. Fill from the bottom as follows: 3 ft bigger stones, 3 ft 10 mm jelly, 1 ft 5 mm jelly, two layers of insect / mosquito net, ½ ft of coarse sand. Divert rainwater to these pits. Water will soak and filter in to the bore well. Just doing this alone can ensure the borewell never goes dry. Over a period of time the earth below becomes a great source of storage.

6. Rainwater collection pond: Farm ponds can be set up in lowest area within the Farm. Divert rainwater within and outside the farm into this RWH tank. A diversion pit can be used to collect silt from the running water. The water from this pond can be diverted into nearby bore wells to enhance ground water.

“Very important to capture rain water as it is pure and renewable source. It is our duty to put back rain water in to the ground”

7. Summer miracles: In semiarid regions the solar intensity is very high in summer days. Using specific sprays available in the market that create a protective layer on the leaf, thereby reducing perspiration. Depending on summer intensity, take sprays of “Summer Miracle” one or 2 times.

“Observed use of Summer Miracle, worked wonders for the plants even in harsh conditions”

8. Pulse Irrigation: Instead of continuously irrigating for 1 to 2 hours for the same plot, shift irrigation from one block to another every 10 to 15 min. This will help in water spread and improve retention in the soil. There are controllers and valves available in the market for shift irrigation between blocks. Depending on slope of the farm land, you have to use “non-drip” or “Pressure compensated” drippers for uniform application.

9. Twin Line Low Discharge Inline Drip Irrigation: Go for drip irrigation and choose low discharge inline drips & two parallel lines – 1 LPH with 30 cm (to 50 cm) spacing X 2 lines. This will ensure maximum coverage of surface area for a given pump discharge and will minimize the leeching. As more area is covered by drip irrigation, the soil fertility improves and subsequently increases humus development in soil. More Humus in the soil means more moisture holding and eventually results in water saving.

“Effective way to reduce water demand and improve soil fertility”

Hosachiguru applies the above techniques in managing its farmlands and as an organization we have seen merit in applying above methods to implement water conservation with increased output. Based on crop, age of plants, soil condition and other factors, we alter the priorities and apply methods selectively to give our clients an opportunity to increase produce.

We as an organization believe that learning is a continuous process and are always on the lookout for more methods to improve water conservation in our farms.

Please do write to us at connect@hosachiguru.com for any suggestions / feedback.

India, the second most populated country in the world, has an average of 25-30 people migrating from rural areas to urban cities every minute. Many of these people migrate to find a better livelihood and lifestyle in the cities. As per ‘Invest India’, if migration from rural areas to urban cities continues at the same pace, the Indian urban population will reach 600 million by 2030. This transition will largely affect the scenario of urban India since many of these cities are facing a huge scarcity of basic resources like water, food, shelter, etc.

The term ‘migration’ in this context, refers to moving from one’s hometown to another city, state, or country in order to grow economically and seek better lives. As per ‘Census India’ 45.36 crore Indians (37 per cent) in India are migrants, who are now settled in a place different from their previous residence. The migrant community in India faces many challenges, including the creation of new identities, health issues, education issues and exclusion that one faces in the new society. With that being said, many of the rural people who migrate to urban cities face difficulties in adapting to a new culture and language.

How can we combat migration to protect the locals?

People migrate to find a better life which encompasses earning a higher salary, living in a moderate climate and obtaining higher standards of living. Many of the people born in rural areas often do not see the opportunities available in their native regions and decide to move to bigger cities. This decision making is influenced by factors that fascinate them on the surface level. This includes experiences exclusively available in big cities such as better employment opportunity, good transportation system, malls to spend some time, parks to move around, etc. However, this can be combated if appropriate efforts are undertaken in the major portions of rural India.

Some of these required efforts that are being taken care of are listed below.

– Scientific development of Agriculture: The ubiquitous use of redundant farming techniques with the change in global temperatures has a negligible growth in agriculture. Employment of scientific and advanced future proof methodologies which consider climatic changes needs to be empowered in rural agriculturalists to secure, serve and promote farming for future generations.

– Development of social infrastructure: The Indian population is growing at a much faster pace than the development in the country. This results into the rapid need for development of transportation, communication, housing, education, toilets, etc. If the country can combat the prevailing issues, a healthier rural lifestyle can be achieved.

– Creation of better employment opportunities: India has a huge population engaged in farming, which stands as the second country in the world after China to produce maximum agricultural outputs.

If farming can be done with the use of enhanced equipment or machinery, then it can help families to live a better life. Farm production and distribution can also be channelized to ensure that they do not suffer losses in any situation.

Hosachiguru, a Bangalore based farmland management company, has been managing farmlands around Karnataka by creating ample employment opportunities for the local people. More so, hundreds of people have already been employed at different profiles while ensuring their economic growth which is equivalent to their growth in bigger cities. Additionally, these individuals also contribute their bit to the environment through their work.

Furthermore, these farmlands are available for potential buyers to purchase. While it offers them hands-on experience of farming practices, it is also a non-taxable secondary means of income that they can look forward to. To know more about Hosachiguru and its projects, visit page.

Agriculture

Sandalwood was once considered as the primary source of Mysore state economy where the entire budget was planned based on sandalwood.

I can think of no better way to pay back to mother-earth during any kind of crisis thanserving on farmland or using my experience in agriculture.

In some ways, farmland is even better than gold or silver. At least farmland is an intrinsically useful thing. It provides a tangible yield in the form of good things from the earth. We all have to eat. As consumers trim their sails, they‘ll give up a lot before they give up their calorie intake. In fact, worldwide, the per capita calorie intake is likely to rise, while quality soil will become a scarce commodity. Altogether, I see five big reasons why spending money here is as good as green channel …

Reason #1
Grain inventories are falling to their lowest levels in more than 40 years

Obviously, we can’t continue to dip into inventories. The natural response you would expect to see is rising prices for grains and for the farmland that produces them. Global grain inventories, drought pending, are expected to rise this year, but will still remain well below historical level.

The big thing to keep your eye on here is stocks-to-use ratio. That compares the amount we have on hand to the amount we’re using. The higher the number, the closer we are to having fully stocked granaries. In the case of big commodities like rice, wheat and soybeans, the cupboard’s pretty bare.

Reason #2
Grain consumption is on the rise

The amount of pressure on the global food supply network is enormous. You can see the steep downward trend in wheat supply in the chart below.

Why are we eating so much more grain? The big factor here is meat. Hundreds of millions of people in China and India are joining the middle class. As people get wealthier they eat more meat. And more meat requires more grains to feed cattle and hogs. It takes 10 pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. Because of that, most of the demand growth for coarse grain and oilseed meal will come from livestock in developing economies or the countries feeding them. So long as the middle class expands, you can be sure meat and grain consumption will follow.

Reason #3
Biofuels are driving agriculture demand up to new levels

Most every oil-consuming country has biofuel targets in place that will kick in over the next five years. These places include the U.S., the EU, Canada, Japan, Brazil, India and China. To meet their targets, we‘ll have to commit some 240 million acres to biofuel production.As you can see, the biofuel craze puts more pressure on farmland demand. And, there are other pressures as well.

Reason #4
Aerable land per person is falling

We are losing quality topsoil faster than we are replacing it. Quality soil is loose, clumpy, filled with air pockets and teeming with life. It’s a complex micro ecosystem all its own. On average, the planet has little more than three feet of topsoil spread over its surface. The Intelligencer calls it the shallow skin of nutrient-rich matter that sustains most of our food. Replacing it isn’t easy. It grows back an inch or two over hundreds of years.

Our farmers are in the mining business! Yes, the soil is incredibly deep, but it is still finite. For every bushel of wheat produced, we lose two bushels of topsoil.

We lose topsoil to development, erosion and desertification. Globally, it’s clear we are eroding soils at a rate much faster than they can form.

Reason #5
Low water supplies cut down farm productivity

China is a biggie to watch when it comes to food supply dynamics. It feeds 20% of the world’s population on only 10% of the world’s arable land and with only 6% of its water. China’s water tables are falling too. In parts of its traditional breadbasket in the north production of wheat and corn is in jeopardy. Chinese officials are well aware of this urgent need.

As the Financial Times reports: The country is leveraging heavily in agriculture. Its agriculture budget increased 27% in 2007, 38% in 2008, and about 20% in 2009. No other big country, barring India, has increased spending on farming so much, says the FT. Still, increasing output will be a challenge.

It also means that any way to secure better water supplies will be worth its weight in gold. Growing crops and keeping livestock hydrated uses three-quarters of the world’s water. That’s a lot of water, and China already doesn’t have enough.A United Nations report puts it in stark terms: The population of China, India, Pakistan, and other big Asian countries will grow 1.5 billion by 2050, doubling the continent’s food demand. Some of the best returns this decade will come from spending money in agriculture , and the kinds of companies that keep us supplied with water, food, and energy.

Introduction

Sandalwood was once considered as the primary source of Mysore state economy where the entire budget was planned based on sandalwood.

Although India has been known for its sandalwood production for decades, it was largely confined to the forests of South Indian states and the plantations of these state governments. But, a policy change by these governments in 2002 allowed people to grow sandalwood. The Karnataka State Forest Department has liberalized the regulations related to sandalwood cultivation to ensure that there is no shortage of sandalwood in the coming future. As per the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Tree Act 1927, the forest department allows individuals to freely grow and own sandalwood trees.

Permission is given to cut a sandalwood tree in private ownership after thorough inspection by the officials. The felled tree is transported to the sandalwood depot and is auctioned after completing necessary formalities. And now, the private cultivation of this precious tree is rapidly increasing.

Key Features of Indian Sandalwood

– Indian Sandalwood is highly prized due to its aromatic fragrant wood.

– The oil extracted from sandalwood is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy and medicinal preparations.

– Sandalwood is an extremely precious element and is used for carving.

– Indian sandalwood consists of up to 6% oil and around 90% if α and β santalols (which is claimed to be the highest).

Sandalwood is in high demand (about 20,000 metric tons and oil 1000 tons) in the international markets and the current production across the world does not meet this demand which has led to a drastic rise in the sandalwood price. Sandalwood cultivation is a highly profitable business which needs very minimal maintenance. To know more about the cultivation process and maintenance details, read on…

If you are looking to invest in sandalwood cultivation, then you need the right climate, land, soil and irrigation system for the healthy growth of the trees. You must plan out the complete process in advance, in order to get high ROI (Return on Investment).

Climate Requirement

Sandalwood trees thrive well in the tropical and sub-tropical regions where the climate is hot & humid. The cultivation requires temperatures ranging from 12 degree to 40 degree Celsius and lands at reasonably higher altitudes (preferably 2000 to 3500 feet above sea level).

Soil Requirement

Sandalwood can grow in a variety of soil types including red clay soils, sandy soils and clay-rich black soils and can tolerate gravelly soil and rocky hard ground. The soil pH should range between 6 and 7.5.

Irrigation

Cultivating sandalwood plants requires less water. The young sandalwood plants need to be provided with irrigation once in 2 to 3 weeks during summer. However, they may not require irrigation in rainy conditions.

Harvesting

The sandalwood cultivation profit to an investor is tremendous and it’s the only wood in the world to be sold by weight. Its market price ranges between Rs 3,000 and Rs 7,000 per kg, with the top-quality sandalwood sometimes sold at around Rs 10,000 per kg. Once a sandalwood tree is eight years old, the heartwood of the tree starts to form and is ready to be harvested after 12 to 15 years from planting. Both in the local and international market, there is a huge demand for sandalwood. So, you are sure to get high returns from sandalwood cultivation.

From an acre of land, you can expect a yield of 5000 kg of sandalwood. The cost of sandalwood cultivation would approximately be around Rs 8 to 10 lakh per acre (https://www.agrifarming.in/sandalwood-farming-project-report-cost-profit), but the returns can range between Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.

Accumulate fortune by investing wisely!

India has been a prosperous country for time immemorial with agriculture as its main occupation. Our country has been a pioneer in farming practices; spreading its fame and popularity across geographical boundaries. But the exponential increase in population and the advent of chemical fertilizers and pesticides provided a quick fix solution to farmers to meet the ever growing demand for food. The entry of GM crops has made mankind guinea pigs. The result? Soil rendered unfit for crops owing to saturation of chemical levels and severe ill effects on the consumers. New diseases have found their way into the dictionaries and our bodies too.

Farmers all over have realized the hazards of quick fixes and the immediate need to go back to our age old farming techniques. All over the world and especially in India, farmers are voluntarily getting themselves educated in agricultural methods which are not just profitable but also ethical. So what is eco farming and what are its benefits? In a nutshell, eco farming conserves our precious resources, enhances production and productivity to benefit the farmer’s pocket and also the society’s nutrition. Let us take a brief look at a few of these methods that are not just ecofriendly but also sustainable.

– Farmers are moving away from agricultural practices that involve the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and moving on to natural manure – mostly compost and pesticides like neem leaf juice. Choosing natural disinfectants over synthetic ones increases the soil quality and makes the crops more immune to diseases

– Organic farming is the new buzzword. Though a recent terminology, the concept and practices have been in practice from ancient times in India. Though there has been a lot of lobbying about the significant reduction in productivity in resorting to organic farming, this is far from the truth. The central theme of organic farming is about crop rotation. This said, the farm does not have to remain idle after one harvest. The same land can be used to cultivate wheat, lentils, fruits and vegetables on a rotation basis. This not only promotes variety in productivity but also increases the soil fertility for the next sowing. This is the basis of organic farming – it’s about how to grow than how much to grow. Also, due to constant rotation, pests find it difficult to settle and proliferate making the basic practice itself a natural pesticide.

– The biggest challenge Indian agriculture faces is competing for water resources with industrial growth and domestic growth. Scientists, researchers and the government have to devise and implement better management water management methods to make water available for irrigation. It is now critical to enhance irrigation productivity with the concept of “more crop per drop”. For example, drip irrigation, piped conveyance and other efficient mechanisms for delivery of water is of critical importance with the whole world facing a majorly impending water crisis.

Hosachigru realizes and understands the urgent need to merge tradition with technology and has adapted modern techniques that optimize the use of resources with zero residue harvest. Our products include fruits like chikkoo, pomegranate, custard apples and lemons from our Pure Pik collection along with timber. Science and innovation are our building blocks to yielding more than 1000 tonnes of fruits every year

Agriculture is the main occupation of the rural population and is India’s backbone. The government has to develop stringent norms in place regarding agricultural practices and it needs to be done before a crisis actually hits us. Improving the living conditions of our farmers by educating them on safe and sustainable farming methods to provide better yield is the only way our country can move forward and regain its lost glory which is now a thing of the past.

Most of us dream of owning a piece of agricultural land, where we can fulfill our passion for farming as well as use it as a weekend getaway. Investing in agricultural farmlands in India has great advantages; the major one being that income earned from and the profit made from selling the farmland are free from taxation. It also seems unlikely that it will be made taxable over the coming years.

India is the second most populous country on earth that occupies more than 17.5% of the population and is known for its agricultural farming practices. India, like many other countries is really concerned about food security. Thus, rural development has become one of the primary areas of focus in the present horticultural and agricultural development programs.

An opportunity for long term wealth creation

For most of the Indian middle class, gold has been the sole-saviour for keeping up with inflation. The returns through fixed deposits and bonds do not suffice to cover inflation and the share markets have been unstable. It is time to think what other opportunities can be a good long term investment other than investing in the shiny metal. Owning agriculture farm plots is a tremendously rewarding long-term wealth creation opportunity, especially if you are staying in a metropolitan city like Bangalore.

Well, decades on and the agriculture sector still looks like a pretty good bet, which provides the buyers long term growth prospects and tax benefits. Agricultural land investment in India offers a high level of capital security as it is backed by a physical property. With the limitation to the supply of agricultural land, anyone who owns a piece of land is rightly positioned and highly secured. The interest in investing in agricultural land is on the rise across the country – Be one among the early movers to benefit the most! With due diligence, you can acquire agricultural land as a component of your investments.

For self-employed and salaried professionals residing in cities, going through the process of buying agricultural land and cultivating crops can be time-consuming, tiresome and a tedious process. To make life a little easier for such individuals, Hosachiguru offers a unique long term wealth creation opportunity for people to own farmland and take up agriculture.

Hosachiguru is a leader in timberland in India and has cultivated over 500+ acres of timber lands over the last 5 years. Timber is a safe option as it is pest resistant and demands very little water compared to other crops. It is not only a long-term wealth creation option but also timber lands play a very important role in creating a positive impact on the environment, soil and ground water. The demand for timber in the country has led to an increase in the commodity price which in turn forms the source for higher returns.

Let’s look at the various advantages a farm land offers:

– Owning an agricultural farmland is a fruitful option for creating long term wealth.

– The income earned through agriculture is free from income tax.

– There is demand and supply mismatch across the country, which leads to the increase in agricultural commodity prices.

– A farm plot is a stable profit-producing asset that has stood through the test of time.

– It has been the storekeeper of fortunes, wealth and value.

– You are sure to reap big benefits on the long run as the value cherishes over time.

– A great hedge against inflation

The right solution to your never ending search

If you’re looking for a long term wealth creation opportunity in agriculture around Bangalore, Hosachiguru has the solution.

Hosachiguru follows simple steps in its farming model wherein it takes the initiative of procuring agricultural lands based on the soil conditions, water availability and accessibility. Later on the land is plotted into smaller parcels and sold to buyers.

Depending on the crops selected for cultivation by the buyer, it plans, designs and develops the land. It then prepares the soil for farming, sets up a drip irrigation system, hires labourers to work on the farm, obtains electricity line for the farm and does all the necessities needed for farming on the land.

Hosachiguru is precise in usage of resources and careful with the farming practices it employs. It adopts cutting-edge techniques to ensure maximum productivity. It employs the use of precision farming, a method that helps to grow more crops by using limited or fewer resources and reducing production costs.

Regardless of what your budget may be, Hosachiguru offers its customers different options to cultivate long term crops like Teak, Melia Dubia, Sandalwood, Mahogany, tissue culture teak, etc.

Legal obstacles of buying a farm land

In Karnataka, only a registered farmer or those from farming families can buy agricultural land. Therefore, before buying any farmland, you must know the relevant rules prevalent in the state as the rules vary from state to state. To counter this issue, Hosachiguru owns and works on lands in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, where anyone can buy agricultural land irrespective of whether or not they are farmers.

Are you considering investing in agricultural land near Bangalore? As the demand for farmland near Bangalore continues to rise, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right information and make informed decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through some important tips and considerations when purchasing agricultural land for sale near Bangalore.

Understanding the Appeal of Farmland Near Bangalore

Bangalore, India’s IT hub, is experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization. As the city expands, the demand for farmland in the surrounding regions is increasing. Investing in agricultural land can be an attractive option for several reasons.

Potential for Appreciation: As Bangalore’s urban sprawl continues, agricultural land near the city is expected to appreciate significantly in value in the coming years.

Diversification: Investing in farmland provides diversification in your investment portfolio, reducing overall risk.

Income Generation: Agricultural land can generate income through farming activities, leasing, or even development for commercial purposes.

Tips for Buying Agricultural Land

1. Research Extensively
   • Before making any purchase, conduct thorough research on the available options. Look for areas with a history of steady price appreciation, good water availability, and proximity to transportation hubs.

2. Land Classification
   • Understand the classification of the land you intend to purchase. Agricultural land comes with specific usage restrictions, so ensure that the land is legally classified for farming purposes.

3. Engage with Local Experts
   • Local real estate agents, land consultants, and lawyers can provide valuable insights into the area’s land trends, potential challenges, and legal intricacies. Their expertise will prove invaluable during the buying process.

4. Visit the Site Personally
   • Don’t rely solely on online information or pictures. Physically visiting the land will give you a better sense of its topography, surrounding environment, and potential for agricultural activities.

5. Check for Infrastructure Development
   • Consider lands in areas with ongoing or planned infrastructure development projects. Proximity to roads, electricity, and water supply can significantly impact the land’s value.

6. Legal Due Diligence
   • Ascertain that the land has clear titles and that no legal disputes are pending. Engage a lawyer to conduct thorough legal due diligence before finalizing the purchase.

Key Considerations

1. Soil Quality and Water Availability
   • Soil fertility and the availability of water resources are critical factors in farming success. Conduct soil tests and research the water table in the area to ensure adequate irrigation.

2. Climate and Crop Suitability
   • Different crops thrive in different climates. Consider the climate of the region and assess if it aligns with the crops you intend to cultivate.

3. Future Development Plans
   • Research the regional development plans to understand potential changes in the area’s landscape. Future developments can significantly impact your land’s value and usage.

4. Return on Investment
   • Calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) based on the land’s current price and its income-generating capabilities.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
   • Farming practices that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact are gaining importance. Consider eco-friendly and sustainable farming methods.

6. Market Trends and Demand
   • Keep an eye on market trends and the demand for agricultural products in the area. Understanding the market dynamics can influence your crop selection and pricing strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying agricultural land near Bangalore requires careful consideration of various factors. From conducting thorough research and engaging with local experts to understanding the land’s classification and its potential for farming, each step plays a crucial role in making a successful investment.

Remember to prioritize soil quality, water availability, and sustainable farming practices while keeping an eye on market trends and future developments. Armed with this guide, you are now better equipped to embark on your journey to acquire the perfect farmland for sale near Bangalore. Happy farming!