In a major boost to the indigenous aromatic industry of the Northeast, the central government has simplified global trade channels for Assam's prized agarwood resources. The Centre has officially approved Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati as an authorized exit point for outbound consignments of agarwood chips and agarwood oil. The strategic regulatory clearance is set to drastically reduce transit logistics for thousands of cultivators, distillation units, and traders across the state and surrounding northeastern territories.
Commerce Minister Outlines Decision
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the development on Saturday, noting that the decision followed an official formal appeal by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Taking to X, Goyal shared congratulations with communities in Assam and across the Northeast, characterizing the approval as a transformative logistical leap that bridges the physical gap between rural growers and lucrative global buyers. He emphasized that Assam remains India's premier producer of agarwood, making regional airport clearance vital for expanding commercial capacity.
Building Momentum on Successful Dubai Shipment
The regulatory milestone comes shortly after Assam completed a landmark commercial shipment of 123 kg of agarwood chips to Dubai in October. State authorities had celebrated that milestone consignment as a breakthrough moment for reviving and formalizing the state's traditional trade network. Chief Minister Sarma previously noted that establishing direct delivery pipelines into premier luxury hubs would solidify the international footprint of Assam's authentic aromatic derivatives.
Economic Lifeline for Over 50,000 Workers
Official data from the Chief Minister's Office confirms that Assam commands nearly 81 percent of all agarwood resources across India. The sector forms a crucial economic foundation in the state, sustaining livelihoods for more than 50,000 farmers, harvesters, and processing workers. Sourced from trees within the Aquilaria genus, agarwood develops an intensely fragrant, resinous core prized worldwide for the manufacture of luxury perfumes, sacred incense, therapeutic essential oils, and premium fragrance blends. With dedicated export operations now anchored directly at Guwahati, regional businesses can bypass intermediate customs terminals and tap directly into global distribution networks.
