- Assam has proposed measures to simplify agarwood plantation and processing regulations.
- District-level testing facilities and faster CITES and DGFT clearances have been recommended.
- The state aims to promote perfumes, essential oils, cosmetics and other high-value agarwood products.
- An International Agar Trade Centre is also set to be inaugurated.
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 27th Aug: Guwahati, August 27: Assam has launched a major initiative to streamline and expand its agarwood industry, with the state government focusing on simplified regulations, stronger cultivation and processing infrastructure, faster export clearances and greater value addition within the state.
The proposals were discussed at the first meeting of the Assam Agarwood Task Force and Agarwood Stakeholders held at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, on Wednesday. The meeting was led by Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah, Finance and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika.
Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, Special Chief Secretary M.K. Yadava, Additional Chief Secretary J.B. Ekka and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
The meeting brought together agarwood growers, processors, entrepreneurs, traders and exporters, along with scientists and researchers. Representatives from the Ministry of DoNER, CHEMEXCIL, FFDC, CSIR-NEIST, Rain Forest Research Institute, the Fragrance & Flavour Association and Sugandh Vyapar Sangh also participated.
Focus on Simplifying Regulations
A key proposal was to establish a systematic mechanism for registering agarwood plantations cultivated outside forest areas, along with an awareness campaign to help growers understand regulatory requirements.
Stakeholders also recommended removing agarwood chip and oil processing units from the conventional Wood-Based Industry framework, citing the distinct characteristics of cultivated agarwood and its processing.
Another recommendation was to simplify the issuance of Certificates of Origin for agarwood cultivated outside forest areas and beyond the prescribed forest proximity zone. Stakeholders proposed that such certificates could be issued through the District Commissioner or Circle Officer instead of requiring the District Forest Officer-level process in every case.
The meeting also discussed reviewing or removing registration fees imposed by the Forest Department on cultivated agarwood trees to encourage plantation registration and bring more growers into the formal economy.
Push for Faster Testing and Exports
The task force proposed establishing district-level testing facilities for agarwood chips and oil to improve quality assessment and authentication and reduce delays in trade.
Stakeholders also called for a time-bound mechanism for CITES and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) permissions, with eligible applications proposed to be processed within 15 days, subject to statutory requirements.
The measures are aimed at creating a more transparent and predictable export system for genuine growers, processors and exporters.
The meeting also felicitated Dr Jehirul Islam, founder of MJI Group, for undertaking Assam’s first official export of agarwood chips. He was recognised for facilitating the export of a reported 112-kg consignment of agarwood chips to international markets.
Stakeholders further recommended that the Centre consider stopping or substantially restricting imports of agarwood, agarwood chips, oil and related raw materials from outside India, subject to applicable laws, international obligations and environmental safeguards.
The proposal is intended to strengthen domestic cultivation and processing while reducing dependence on imported material. Participants also stressed safeguards against illegal harvesting, smuggling and market disruption.
Assam Targets High-Value Products
The government plans to move the sector beyond cultivation and primary processing by promoting investment in perfumes, perfumery compounds, essential oils, cosmetics, incense and other agarwood-based products.
National and international manufacturers and investors will be encouraged to establish processing and manufacturing units in Assam. The move is expected to increase value addition, generate employment and strengthen the state’s local supply chain.
The task force also decided to proceed with the immediate inauguration of an International Agar Trade Centre, which will provide a dedicated platform for growers, processors, traders and exporters and facilitate domestic and international trade.
Aim to Build Global Assam Brand
The initiatives are aimed at developing Assam’s agarwood sector into a regulated, farmer-friendly, sustainable and globally competitive industry.
With scientific testing, simplified certification and streamlined export procedures, the state government seeks to position Assam as a major hub for agarwood and oud-based products.
The broader objective is to create greater opportunities for farmers, indigenous growers, entrepreneurs and exporters while strengthening Assam’s position in the global fragrance and perfumery market under the vision of “Born in Assam, Made for the World.”
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