Vasudev Joshi, the priest of Maa Sati Dakshayani temple located in the village, has proved this saying true. He bought mahogany saplings for just ₹ 200 and planted them in the hot desert soil. Today these plants have reached a height of 8 to 10 feet and can become a source of earning lakhs of rupees in the coming years2.
Mahogany ‘money tree’ growing in the desert
Mahogany is not called ‘money tree’ for nothing. Its wood is strong, waterproof and reddish-brown in color, which is used in expensive furniture, decorative items and musical instruments. Its price in the market ranges from ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 2,500 per cubic feet3.
Joshi ji told that it takes about 12 years for a mahogany tree to grow fully, but several cubic feet of wood is obtained from one tree, which makes a return of lakhs of rupees possible.
Mahogany not only provides wood, its seeds, leaves and bark are also full of medicinal properties. They are used in the treatment of diseases like diabetes, malaria, diarrhea. Mosquito repellent, soap, paint and Ayurvedic products are also made from its leaves.