Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland is poised to emerge as a key player in the Agarwood sector following the recent approval of the Nagaland Agarwood (Conservation and Promotion) Policy, 2026, state Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister CL John said on Tuesday.
Addressing an awareness workshop on the cultivation and trade of Agarwood at the Forest Office Complex in Dimapur, John said the policy seeks to promote Agarwood cultivation on private and community lands while generating employment opportunities, strengthening rural livelihoods and conserving the endangered species in its natural habitat.
Emphasising the economic and ecological significance of Agarwood, the minister described it as a high-value aromatic tree species widely used in perfumes, incense and traditional medicine, with strong demand in international markets.
He said Nagaland’s climate and land conditions, particularly in the foothill regions, are well suited for cultivating high-quality Agarwood. According to the minister, farmers in several districts have already taken up cultivation in response to growing demand and attractive market returns.
John noted that traders, particularly from West Asian countries, are increasingly seeking Agarwood products from the Northeast, including Nagaland. He added that neighbouring Assam and Tripura have made significant advances in the sector and expressed confidence that Nagaland would now be able to accelerate growth with a dedicated policy framework in place.
Highlighting trade-related challenges, the minister said the state currently operates under a limited export quota for Agarwood chips and oil. He urged the Centre to review the existing quota regime to enable farmers and traders to benefit more fully from the expanding market.
He also assured growers of technical support from the forest department, including access to quality planting materials, inoculation techniques, processing methods and marketing assistance.
John said collaboration with institutions such as the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI), Jorhat, and other central agencies would play a key role in ensuring effective implementation of the policy.