Guwahati

Assam has exported its first consignment of agarwood chips worth Rs 2.35 crore to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, officials said.

Agarwood, also known as Oud, is one of the world’s most valuable aromatic raw materials, and is widely used in luxury perfumes, incense, cosmetics and traditional products across the Gulf, Europe and Southeast Asia.

The shipment marks a “significant milestone” in the state's agro-forest economy, as it is the “first legally approved export of agarwood chips”, according to a release issued by the All Assam Agarwood Planters and Traders Association.

It is expected to open a new chapter for an industry with vast global demand and strong revenue potential, the association said.

The consignment, comprising 100 kg of agarwood chips to Saudi Arabia and 12 kg to the UAE, was dispatched from the cargo terminal of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport on Wednesday.

The agarwood chips were exported after securing all statutory clearances, the release said.

ALSO READ: Syed Tanveer Nasrin: Ambassador of culture, women rights and harmony

“This achievement is the result of years of research, policy advocacy, farmer engagement, plantation development, processing innovation and international compliance efforts,” All Assam Agarwood Planters and Traders Association chairman Jehirul Islam said.

Assam-grown agarwood is highly valued for its superior quality, rich aroma and high oil content, giving the state a strong advantage in international markets, the officials said.