Which is more expensive agarwood or sandalwood? Agarwood vs sandalwood price analysis given. Is sandalwood and agarwood the same, is agarwood expensive? All these queries are addressed in today’s blog post.
Sandalwood and agarwood are not the same, they are two different trees. Both these trees are the most costly trees in India and occupy a place in the top 10 most expensive trees in the world. Let’s understand both of them one by one.
Sandalwood tree
Sandalwood is in 2nd position in the top 10 costly wood in India. Most people think that sandalwood is the most expensive tree in India and the world but they are not aware of agarwood trees and some other trees like black African trees which are more expensive than sandalwood trees.
Why sandalwood is expensive
Sandalwood is well known as chandan tree in India. Its wood is one of the most demanding woods in India and hopefully in the entire world. The wood is used for worship and other temple-related events and India is also known as a temple country. It is considered a sacred wood in India and in most events including marriage, worship, inaugurations, birthday celebrations, etc. Sometimes the sandalwood small pieces are used and sometimes its powder is used as a tilak.
Sandalwood is widely used in the perfume industry and medicinal industry both these industries are huge.
Must read – List of top 10 costly wood in India
Sandalwood tree price
Sandalwood trees are small to medium in height; they are not very tall trees. Sandalwood tree weight varies between 250 kg to 300 kg or 350 kg as well. The tree’s average height is 20 feet. The tree contains sapwood and heartwood although from top to bottom every part of the tree is sellable the heartwood is the most expensive part of the sandalwood tree.
The heartwood price is Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per kg when sold directly. The price goes down and the price is Rs 6000 to R 6500 or Rs 7000 when sold through government channels or to clients fixed by the government.
Sandalwood tree weight after 10 years may be around 130 to 160 kg and 1 tree is capable of producing an average 6 to 8 kg of heartwood after 10 years. A 10 year old chandan tree price varies between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 this is the price of heartwood produced by the tree sapwood price is not included. Sapwood’s price is Rs 40 to Rs 140.
Sandalwood tree price after 15 years might be around Rs 22,000 to Rs 28,000 or Rs 30,000 as well depending on the collection and quality of heartwood. The average sandalwood tree weight after 15 years might be 180 to 200 kg with 10 to 24 kg heartwood.
One can get a better benefit after 25 years and sandalwood tree price after 25 years might be Rs 55,000 and more.
Agarwood tree price
Agarwood is well known as liquid gold and Agarwood cultivation is mainly done in Assam state of India. Assam is one of the most rainy regions in India and agarwood thrives best in rainfall regions due to the good amount of water needed throughout the year. Agartala is a city in Assam and it was named Agartala after agarwood.
Agarwood tree price per kg in India is Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh depending on the resin quantity and quality. Agar trees are difficult to grow and need government permission in most states. Resin is a dark black substance released by the tree to recover the wound or injury.
It is used in aromatic products, cosmetic products, medicinal sectors, and also for construction.
Sandalwood tree vs Agarwood tree
| Sandalwood Tree | Agarwood Tree | |
| Sapling price | Rs 30 to Rs 70. | Rs 30 to Rs 75. |
| Harvesting time | 10 to 25 years. | 8 to 15 years. |
| Growing zone | Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya, Pradesh Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand etc. | Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh etc. |
| Trees per acre | 300 to 350. | 350 to 500. |
| Profit from 1 acre | Rs 20,21,2000. | Rs 6,94,33,500. |
| Tree price after 10 years | Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. | Around Rs 2 lakh. |
| Tree price after 15 years | Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. | Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. |
| Banned/not banned | Not banned. | Banned in most states. |
| Permission | Permission is needed only while selling it to out-of-India or non-Indian companies. | Permission required. |
| Tree bioproduct that sells | Heartwood. | Resin. |
| Tree weight after 10 years | 200 to 250 kg. | 200 to 300 kg. |
| Tree height | 20 feet to 30 feet. | 40 meter |
| Family | Santalaceae. | Thymelaeaceous. |
| Scientific name | Santalum. | Aquilaria malaccensis lamk. |
| Wood uses | Inses making, perfume, worship, ayurveda medicines, medicines, cosmetics, etc. | Incense sticks, perfume, worship, ayurveda medicines, medicines, cosmetics, etc. |
Conclusion
Today we have seen agarwood vs sandalwood tree prices and other details. Basic and important info about both trees including tree price after 10 years, tree height, weight, sellable bioproduct, use, demand, growing zone, and permission are discussed.
FAQ
Which tree wood is expensive in India?
Sandalwood, agarwood, and mahogany are the most expensive trees to sell.
Which sandalwood is costly?
Red sandalwood.
Which is more expensive agarwood or sandalwood?
Agarwood is more expensive than sandalwood. Agarwood resin price per kg is Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh.
Is sandalwood banned in India?
No, it’s a myth growing sandalwood trees is not banned in India instead selling it to abroad companies is banned.
Is growing agarwood trees banned in India?
Yes, this tree is banned in most states and needs permission to grow.
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