Agarwood is a resin-infused fragrant wood derived from tropical evergreen Agar tree. Agarwood is valued for its distinctive fragrance and healing properties. It has been used for over 2,000 years for medicinal, aromatic and religious purposes. The resin is widely used for production of incense, perfume, cosmetics and medicines. The resin develops and accumulates in stem and branches of agar tree as an immune response to biological, physical and chemical stress.
Agarwood can retain its fragrance over very long period when handled appropriately. Longevity of agarwood fragrance permits its storage and long distance trade as a high-value commodity, much in the same way as precious stones and metals. Fine grade agarwood is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world. Price of good quality agarwood chip varies from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1.00 lakh per kg. Price of agar oil varies from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 2 crore per kg with a general range of Rs. 10 to 30 lakhs per kg. In the year 2001 a single large size agar tree fully infused with resin in Hojai district in Assam was sold in more than rupees 1 crore. Several agar trees having value between Rs. 15 to 30 lakh still exist in Northeast India. One hectare good quality agar planation containing about 1700 trees has the potential to earn as high as Rs.2 crore in a felling cycle of 15 years.
Agar trees naturally grow in all parts of Meghalaya except high altitude Shillong plateau and some low lying areas near the Brahmaputra Bank in Garo Hills. Eco-climatic condition for a major part of Meghalaya is suitable for agar trees. Processing of agarwood, especially extraction of resin imbedded wood as agarwood chips is very labour intensive. Raising of agar plants in nurseries and creation and maintenance of agar plantations also generate large wage-employment for tribal residents in rural areas of the State. Plantation, maintenance, harvesting, value addition, marketing and trade of agarwood and agarwood products therefore has huge potential to generate income and employment for residents of the State. Agar sector can therefore play an important role in realising the aspiration to make the State US$ 10 Bn economy by 2028.
To facilitate expansion, scientific management, harvesting, utilisation, and value addition of agar resources, the Research and Training Wing in the Forest and Environment Department with financial assistance from the MBDA is organising training at the Meghalaya Forest Training School, located at Baiza near Williamnagar for 1,200 farmers from 20 Blocks having high potential for agar cultivation. These Blocks include Samanda, Ranikor, Rongara, Songsak, Shella-Bholaganj, Resubelpara, Dambo-Rongjeng, Mawkyrwat, Dalu, Rongram, Shallang, Baghmara, Bajengdoba, Mawshunrut, Siju, Dadengre, Jirang, Rerapara, Kharkutta and Betasing. From each Block, a batch of 50 farmers identified by the concerned Block Development Officer will undergo two day training. The MBDA has also nominated 200 farmers from its project villages. The schedule of the training, drawn in consultation with scientists from the Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, includes both class room lectures, as well as field visit to agar nursery, agar plantation and artificially inoculated agar trees. Live demonstration of manual extraction of agar chip and inoculation of agar trees has also been arranged during the training. Training for the first batch of 50 farmers from Samanda Block started today in the presence of H.C. Chaudhary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Working Plan, Research & Training and District Council Affairs. Training for all the 20 batches will be completed on 17th October 2024.