Sadaharitha’s inoculation campaign to produce high quality Agarwood
View(s):Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd, considered the nation’s pioneer in commercial forestry and exclusive patent holder for the commercial production of Agarwood, commenced a novel inoculation drive recently to ensure the production of the high quality resin.
Agarwood is a dark-coloured, fragrant resin embedded in the wood of the Aquillaraia species prized as an expensive, high in demand unique ingredient, used for world-class fragrances, incense, essential oils, medicines, aromatherapy, cosmetics, etc.
Inoculating trees.
The natural formation of Agarwood is a slow process. However, this can be initiated by causing injuries to the tree through drilling, nailing or wounding the bark. As a defensive mechanism the tree reacts and resin develops around the affected areas, the company said in a news release.
Sadaharitha, with nearly 17-years’ experience in commercial forestry, said it understands the importance of producing Agarwood emulating the natural product as other means may reduce the quality of the resin.
The company has commenced a landmark drive towards inoculating over 400,000 trees in out-grower lands islandwide.
During the initial phase, Sadaharitha aims to inoculate all trees planted during 2013 and 2014.
“We have conducted research for over eight years and looked at also international research. Through knowledge transfer and our own initiatives and highly capable team we have developed our own biological treatment and are using it in Sri Lanka,” noted Sathis Nawaratne, Chairman Sadaharitha Plantations Ltd.
As an industry frontrunner, Sadaharitha has ingrained knowledge of the important characteristics such as density, richness, dark in colour, scent, etc and scientific compounds of valuable Agarwood high in demand in the world market especially in West Asia.
Sadaharitha’s inoculation treatment mimics specific microbes to induce the production of naturally formed Agarwood and is priced at Rs. 7,500 only. Five years after the inoculation customers are able to harvest the wood chips from the tree. The treatment package can be obtained from the company’s head office.
“This is a boon to all out-grower Agarwood cultivators and customers who grow these trees in their gardens. Sadaharitha has already established vital retail networks realising the vast future potential of the Agarwood harvest,” it said.
Sadaharitha aims to purchase the harvest from its customers guaranteeing attractive market rates and through international collaboration directly manufacture in-demand products using the Agarwood harvest. Additionally, this acts as a viable and lucrative income model for customers and also as an ideal foreign exchange income generator for the country.
“This is a significant milestone for us, where we begin to inoculate our trees and reap the results of a steady sustainable flow of Agarwood in the near future,” added Mr. Nawaratne.