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Assam Eyes Global Leadership in Agarwood Trade, Minister Bimal Borah Asserts
Speaking as a panellist, Dr. Jehirul Islam, Chairman of MJI Group, lauded the Assam government’s historic decision to grant legal recognition to agarwood cultivation and trade. He also stated that the International Agar Trade Center, being set up by the state government at Dabidubi in Golaghat district, would open new avenues of opportunity.
Dr. U.S.N. Murthy, Director of NIPER, stressed the importance of value addition, certification, and quality enhancement for agarwood-based products. Meanwhile, Dr. Geetima Das Krishna, North East India head of Invest India, emphasized the need for better coordination among government departments to streamline and accelerate agarwood trade.
Shakti Binay Shukla, Director General of the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, highlighted the importance of ensuring high-quality agarwood oil.
Dr. Birendra Tiwari, Director of CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, stated that Assam, with government support, could witness an agarwood revolution similar to Kashmir’s lavender boom under CSIR initiatives.
All panellists underscored the significance of agarwood farming, processing, and value addition for Assam’s economic growth.
It is noteworthy that under the leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, several key amendments have been made to outdated laws concerning agarwood. The restrictions on agarwood have now been eased, allowing farmers to cultivate it freely. Additionally, the Assam Agroforestry Development Board has been established as a Section 8 Company, making it the first of its kind in India, dedicated to promoting agarwood-based industries.
The seminar witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including agarwood traders, farmers, tea growers, and government officials from across Assam and other parts of India. Several MoUs related to investments in the agarwood sector were signed in the presence of Minister Bimal Borah at the conclusion of the event.
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