Guwahati: To enhance livelihood generation through Agar plantation in Assam, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) partnered with Z Black Diamond Agarwood LLP to organize a significant event titled "Export Potential of Agarwood in Assam." The event took place on October 12, 2023, at the Custom House in Guwahati, Assam, and revolved around the theme "Rising Assam - YahiSamayHai, SahiSamayHai."
One of the prominent discussions centered on the necessity of formulating trade development policies that allocate and delineate cultivation land for Agarwood farming, treating it as an agro commodity. This approach ensures sustainable production and the safeguarding of indigenous products. Experts recommended the Geographic Indication (GI) tagging of Agarwood, the active engagement of farmers in contract farming, and the establishment of buy-back systems to protect growers' welfare and offer minimum floor pricing to encourage sustainable farming and afforestation through cultivation.
In the pursuit of economic growth and development, participants proposed dedicating a minimum of 10% of cultivation to indigenous varieties of Agarwood. This strategy aims to prevent endangering indigenous plant species while fostering economic growth.
Customs Department officials extended their wholehearted support to promote trade and industry participation, further encouraging trade facilitation and the growth of export volumes. PHDCCI recommended expanding existing manufacturing units across various sectors in Assam and the Northeast to establish Export Oriented Units. Leveraging the North East's ports and Exim infrastructure as points of origin and departure is envisioned to increase export volume and scale. This recommendation holds the potential to fortify trade development and infrastructure utilization for a thriving trade ecosystem.
Additionally, participants explored the implementation of various schemes outlined in the "Assam Agarwood Promotion Policy 2020."
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Md. Abdulrahman Jaafar Mohamed Alzaabi, managing Director of Al Hosen Oud and Perfume in Abu Dhabi, and Mr. Varun Yadav, IRS, deputy commissioner of the Guwahati Customs Division as well as key representatives from various government departments, including the Department of Forest and the department of agriculture of the Government of Assam, APEDA, NECTAR, and the department of customs of the Government of India.
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