Guwahati, May 14: Assam has successfully exported its first legally approved consignment of agarwood chips valued at Rs 2.35 crore to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant development for the state’s agro-forest economy.
According to officials and the All Assam Agarwood Planters and Traders Association, the consignment was dispatched from the cargo terminal of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport on Wednesday after securing all mandatory statutory clearances.
The export shipment comprised 100 kg of agarwood chips bound for Saudi Arabia and 12 kg destined for the UAE.
Agarwood, popularly known as Oud, is regarded as one of the most expensive aromatic raw materials in the world and is extensively used in luxury perfumes, incense, cosmetics and traditional products across Gulf nations, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Describing the development as a “significant milestone,” the association stated that this was the first legally approved export of agarwood chips from Assam and that it could create fresh opportunities for an industry with strong global demand and substantial revenue potential.
Association chairman Jehirul Islam said the achievement came after years of research, plantation expansion, policy advocacy, farmer engagement and sustained efforts to comply with international regulatory standards.
Officials noted that agarwood cultivated in Assam enjoys a strong reputation in international markets due to its superior quality, rich fragrance and high oil content, giving the state a competitive edge in the global trade of aromatic products.
