AGARWOOD: INDIA’S CULTURAL, ECOLOGICAL & ECONOMIC ASSET
Introduction: Why in News
- Agarwood—also known as Oud, Gaharu, or Agar—is increasingly recognized as an important cultural, ecological, and economic resource for India.
- However, rising global demand, overharvesting, and unregulated trade have placed immense pressure on natural populations.
- In response, the Government of India has launched a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable cultivation, regulated exports, and the conservation of wild stocks.
SIGNIFICANCE OF AGARWOOD
Cultural and Religious Importance
- Agarwood is often described as the “world’s most valuable incense”.
- It has been used for millennia in Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism during rituals, meditation, and spiritual ceremonies.
Medicinal Value
- Agarwood is mentioned in Ayurvedic classics such as the Charaka Samhita and in classical Sanskrit literature, including the works of Kalidasa (5th century CE).
- It also features in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Unani system.
- Scientific studies have identified over 150 bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenoids and chromones, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic
Economic and Commercial Importance
- Agarwood is a high-value product in West Asia, especially in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf countries, where it is used in the form of oils, wood chips, attars, and bakhoors.
- International luxury perfume brands such as Gucci, Tom Ford, and others prominently feature Oud in their fragrance lines.
- Its trade contributes significantly to the rural economy, especially in Northeast India.
ORIGIN & PRODUCTION
Biological Source
- Agarwood is formed in trees of the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera (family: Thymelaeaceae).
- The resin is a defense response to infection by specific molds (g., Phaeoacremonium or Phialophora parasitica) or physical damage.
Natural Occurrence and Yield
- Only 2–7% of wild trees naturally develop resin suitable for commercial use.
- This rarity contributes to its high market value.
Geographic Distribution
- Agarwood is found in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Bhutan.
- In India, species such as Aquilaria malaccensis and Aquilaria khasiana grow predominantly in Northeast India—in states like Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.
- The capital of Tripura, Agartala, is named after the historical prevalence of agarwood.
- Indigenous communities possess traditional knowledge for identifying and utilizing resin-producing trees.
CHALLENGES & CONSERVATION CONCERNS
Overharvesting and Risk of Extinction
- Due to escalating global demand, overexploitation has nearly eradicated wild agarwood in India by the 20th century.
- Wild populations are now on the brink of extinction.
Unsustainable Harvesting Practices
- Traditional methods involve felling trees to inspect the heartwood, causing significant ecological damage.
- Natural resin takes nearly 10 years to develop, making premature harvesting unsustainable.
LEGAL & CONSERVATION STATUS
| Framework | Status |
| CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) | Appendix II |
| IUCN Red List | Critically Endangered |
| Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Schedule IV |
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Promotion of Cultivation
- The government is promoting cultivation in both Northeast India and Southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
- These efforts aim to increase supply through sustainable agroforestry models, thereby reducing pressure on wild populations.
CITES Non-Detriment Finding (NDF)
- India submitted a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) to prevent inclusion of agarwood in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) under CITES.
- This submission enables India to announce a new export quota for agarwood products, allowing regulated international trade.
Conservation of Wild Populations
- The government has introduced safeguards:
- Prohibition on seed/sapling collection from wild forests and protected areas.
- Harvesting is permitted only from home gardens, community plantations, or private agroforestry plots.
PROPOSAL FOR AGARWOOD BOARD
The establishment of a dedicated Agarwood Board—similar to boards for coffee or turmeric—is recommended. Its functions would include:
- Trade regulation and elimination of malpractice.
- Setting quality standards for harvesting and inoculation protocols.
- Overseeing nurseries and ensuring sapling availability.
- Protecting farmers and small cultivators from exploitative practices.
- Facilitating scientific research, traditional knowledge protection, and community participation.
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
India is encouraged to:
- Initiate R&D on sustainable harvesting, inoculation methods, and genetic enhancement, drawing inspiration from projects such as the University of Minnesota Agarwood Initiative.
- Develop AI-based wood identification tools (e.g., Xylotron), DNA fingerprinting, and isotope analysis for traceability and enforcement.
- Validate medicinal applications of agarwood through national programs like BioE3 and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
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