ASGAA - Our Plantation

Unique plantations

All Sanchi Growers Association of Assam (ASGAA) is fast emerging as one of the world’s largest groups of Agarwood plantations. We currently own and/or manage over 10,000 plantations. Our plantations are developed in the unique inter-cropping system model with the lowest production cost with no parallels elsewhere in the world. Over 2.5 million trees are currently on ground, and the number is increasing by over 0.3 to 0.5 million trees a year.

Agarwood was introduced to Upper Assam by ASGAA, and today, about 99% of plantations spread across various Northeastern states are promoted and managed by our organization. Most of our plantations are located in humid, high-rainfall zones wherein trees undergo natural inoculation systems through fungal cultures. A large extent of our plantations are in elevations ranging from 300 ft to 1,500 ft from MSL, climatic zones which have a long duration of cool winters and warm summers, conditions that result in the best quality of resinous wood.

Agarwood in Upper Assam

Commercial cultivation of Agarwood was introduced in the Brahmaputra Valley region of Upper Assam by ASGAA in the year 2006. After intense research, the very first large-scale plantation was established in 2007. Following its success, the crop was planted by developing model plantations at various geographical locations of Assam. When the first year of commercial planting began in 2009, about 700 planters from multiple districts planted Agarwood, entered into a buy-back agreement with the company, and became its shareholders.

Later on, planting continued in the following years to about 200,000 to 300,000 seedlings per year. Currently, 10,176 farmers are growing Agarwood in 9,670 acres, numbering about 24,88,275 plants. Today, over 95% of plantations in Northeast India are located in the fertile plains and foothills of Assam. From 2012 onwards, Agarwood was introduced in other Northeastern states such as Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, and currently, small-scale plantation is ongoing in these regions. Bold initiatives taken by our organization, along with long-term services, complete Agarwood solutions, and buy-back assurance of mature trees, have resulted in the large-scale development of plantations in Northeast India.

The quality of resinous Agarwood, produced naturally, stands much better than the artificially produced ones. Keeping this in mind, the company has developed most of its plantations in high-rainfall regions which encourage insect boring, fungal infection, and resin formation. We encourage our planters to follow traditional methods such as axe wounds, severe bark removal, and nailing, which allow fungi to infect the tree. This operation is generally done just before the onset of winter, when a 30% deep cut is made on the tree trunk with the help of a sharp knife. The cuts made in this manner allow the fungal infection to begin and reach the inside of the tree trunk. This method is successful in a cool environment where the soil is rich in natural fungi. These methods require a long time for Agarwood formation and typically produce good to medium quality resinous wood, but in less quantity.

Natural Infected Agarwood in Aquilaria malaccensis and Aquilaria khasiana in Northeast India

Agarwood, also known as "wood of the gods," is a highly valued aromatic resin that forms in the heartwood of certain trees from the Aquilaria genus. In Northeast India, particularly in states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, two prominent species—Aquilaria malaccensis and Aquilaria khasiana—are known for their natural production of agarwood. These species thrive in the region’s humid, tropical climate, making it a hotspot for agarwood cultivation and harvesting.

The formation of agarwood is a defense mechanism triggered by natural infection, often caused by fungi such as Phialophora, Aspergillus, or Fusarium. When these pathogens invade the tree, the host responds by producing a dark, fragrant resin to protect itself. This resin, embedded in the infected wood, is the source of agarwood's distinct aroma and high market value. The natural infection process can take years, resulting in a high-quality resin that is highly sought after in the global market for use in perfumes, traditional medicine, and religious rituals.

Among the species, Aquilaria malaccensis is more widespread, while Aquilaria khasiana is native to Meghalaya and considered rarer. Conservation efforts are crucial as both species face threats from overharvesting and habitat loss. Sustainable harvesting practices, combined with artificial inoculation techniques, are being explored to meet growing demand without depleting natural populations.

Northeast India plays a vital role in the global agarwood trade, providing a natural environment where these Aquilaria species thrive. However, balanced management of natural resources and adherence to conservation guidelines are essential to preserve this valuable legacy for future generations.

Natural Infected Agarwood Farming

Organic is all about cultivating the land without using substances which are known to contaminate the soil, air, water, and food. Agarwood is cultivated as per organic standards in a heavily regulated and closely monitored healthy agricultural system in some of our farms. Such farms are certified as per the organic standards of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), India, and the European Union Regulations on Organic Farming, Europe. We ensure that no pesticides, insecticides, weedicides, irradiation, and chemicals are used in the farming and inoculation processes.

The company has developed an efficient organic method of resinous wood production that resembles the natural phenomena of Agar formation. A product is developed using a combination of native fungal strains. Mechanical injury is done to the tree trunk to allow fungi to infect the wounded parts. This operation is generally done just before the onset of the rainy season when a 30% deep cut is made on the tree trunk with the help of a sharp knife. The cuts made in this manner allow the fungal infection to begin and reach the inside of the tree trunk. This method is successful in organic farms in cool environments where the soil is rich in naturally occurring fungi. The results so far have shown good quality resinous wood, similar to that of wild Agarwood in terms of chemical constituents and the essential oil content with a strong fragrance, ideal texture, and desirable black resin.

ASGAA provides all sorts of support to farmers including technical guidelines for the natural system of cultivation and biological methods for pest and disease management. By bearing all the costs involved, we ensure that the farmers’ lands get free organic certification through internationally accredited organisations. More importantly, we provide market support to organic farmers for Agarwood and other products which they have grown in their farms. We purchase their products at a 30% premium price and thus make the organic movement viable for them. In our farms, soil health is maintained through traditional ways by applying vermicomposting, farm yard manure, green leaf mulching, etc. Diseases and pests are controlled through biological ways with the help of microorganisms such as Trichoderma, Azotobacterial, Pseudomonas, etc. At ASGAA, we are basically farmers, and we know what it is to be a farmer – the challenges, weather, soil, and all the related issues.

Role of Zeuzera conferta in Agarwood Formation in Northeast India

Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) is a highly valued resinous wood produced by trees in response to stress or injury. This resin is widely used in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine. The process of agarwood formation is often associated with the invasion of pathogens, physical injuries, or natural infections. In Northeast India, Aquilaria malaccensis is the primary species of agarwood-producing trees, thriving in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, and Nagaland.

Zeuzera conferta: A Key Agent in Agarwood Formation

Zeuzera conferta, a species of stem borer moth, has emerged as a significant biological agent influencing agarwood formation in Northeast India. This insect, native to tropical and subtropical regions, has a unique role in naturally triggering the resinous response in agarwood trees. The moth lays eggs on the bark or branches of Aquilaria trees, and its larvae bore into the wood, causing stress that initiates resin production.

Life Cycle of Zeuzera conferta

The life cycle of Zeuzera conferta consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Eggs: Female moths lay eggs on the tree surface, often in crevices or under leaves.
Larvae: The larvae hatch and penetrate the tree bark, feeding on internal tissues. This boring activity damages the tree and acts as a trigger for resin secretion.
Pupation: The larvae create chambers within the wood where they pupate.
Adults: Adult moths emerge, continuing the cycle by mating and laying eggs on other trees.

Impact on Agarwood Formation

Induction of Resin Production: The boring activity of Zeuzera conferta larvae creates wounds in the tree, stimulating the plant’s defense mechanisms. In response, the tree secretes oleoresin into the damaged tissues, which hardens over time, forming agarwood.
Enhancing Quality: Natural infestations by Zeuzera conferta often produce higher-quality agarwood due to the localized resin formation around larval tunnels.
Sustainable Production: Utilizing Zeuzera conferta for controlled induction could potentially reduce dependence on chemical or artificial methods of agarwood stimulation.

Distribution and Prevalence in Northeast India

Northeast India, with its favorable climatic conditions and rich biodiversity, provides an ideal habitat for both Aquilaria species and Zeuzera conferta. Farmers and agarwood cultivators in Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have reported significant natural infestations of Zeuzera conferta, leading to spontaneous agarwood formation.

Challenges and Management

While Zeuzera conferta contributes to agarwood production, uncontrolled infestations can cause:

Excessive Damage: Heavy larval activity may weaken trees, reducing their overall productivity and lifespan.
Spread of Secondary Infections: Open wounds caused by larvae can become entry points for fungi and other pathogens, potentially leading to decay.

Strategies for Controlled Utilization

Monitoring and Management: Regular monitoring of Aquilaria plantations for signs of infestation can help balance the benefits of resin induction with tree health.
Selective Infestation: Controlled exposure to Zeuzera conferta in targeted areas of the tree can optimize agarwood formation while minimizing overall damage.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining natural predators, biological agents, and cultural practices can help manage populations of Zeuzera conferta effectively.

Ecological and Economic Significance

The role of Zeuzera conferta in agarwood formation underscores the interplay between biodiversity and resource utilization. Agarwood cultivation, supported by natural agents like Zeuzera conferta, holds immense potential for sustainable livelihoods in Northeast India. The region, with its traditional knowledge and ecological wealth, can leverage this relationship to boost its agarwood industry.

Role of Zeuzera conferta in Agarwood Formation in Northeast India

Intercropping System

Most of our plantations are developed in the unique inter-cropping system, with no parallels elsewhere in the world. Agarwood trees are planted along with three to four compatible crops in the same place, with the right spacing, so that each species will have sufficient sunlight and minimum root competition. With the adoption of this low-cost model of tree cultivation, we are able to bring down production costs, so that our products are reasonably priced.

Agarwood is planted as a shade tree in Arabica coffee plantations, numbering about 150 to 200 per acre.
In Robusta coffee estates, Agarwood is planted, numbering about 75 to 100 per acre.
Agarwood is cultivated as an alternative plant in areca nut farms in available empty places.
Coconut farms have planted around 200 Agarwood trees per acre in single or double row systems.
In lower elevation tea gardens, Agarwood is planted as a shade tree, numbering about 50 to 100 per acre.
In cardamom plantations, around 400 Agarwood trees per acre have been planted as alternative shade trees.

Farmers have planted Agarwood in-between rubberwood trees in a single row system.
Agarwood is mix-planted in farm forestry along with timber trees such as teak, mahogany, etc.
In dry regions, Agarwood has been interplanted with Malabar neem trees.
Plantations have also grown Agarwood as border crops, along fences.
Agarwood is also grown as a mono-crop in farms, numbering 540 to 670 plants per acre.
Cultivating Agarwood as shade trees in coffee estates has proven to be mutually beneficial to both crop

Sustainable harvesting

We follow sustainable harvesting techniques to extract resinous wood from the infected trees. The process of sustainability starts right from the inoculation method, wherein technologies are adopted in a way that trees can be harvested part by part over the years, and simultaneously, they have the opportunity for regeneration. Our sustainable plantations balance the needs of the environment, wildlife, and forest communities, supporting decent incomes while conserving Agarwood trees for future generations.

Every year, the number of seedlings we plant exceeds the number of trees we harvest. We plant around 0.2 to 0.3 million seedlings every year. Agarwood tree cultivation will increase the tree cover in the region. It is estimated that mature Agarwood trees can store about 0.25 to 0.5 tons of carbon in them. Agarwood trees absorb the greenhouse gases that cause global warming and play an important role in addressing climate change by helping reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Agarwood trees can also help in preventing soil erosion and provide shade, shelter, and food to native birds. The project is profitable, sustainable, and also great for the environment.