Guwahati, Oct 31: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday welcomed the Centre's decision to allow the export of agarwood oil and chips from Guwahati airport, saying it would boost the profitability of farmers and simplify logistical requirements.
He said the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state are taking all steps to enhance ease of doing business and make local products competitive globally.
"This is a big boost for Assam's agripreneurs! The notification of #GuwahatiAirport as an export point for agarwood chips and agarwood oil by the Union Govt led by Adarniya @narendramodi ji will boost profitability of our farmers and simplify logistical requirements," Sarma said in a social media post.
Assam being the leading producer of these two products, which have a high demand in the global market, making Guwahati airport the export point comes as a great relief for lakhs of people associated with the industry, he said.
"The double-engine govt is taking all measures to further boost ease of doing business and make our products competitive globally," Sarma added.
He also expressed his gratitude to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal "for being considerate of our request and facilitating this decision".
According to a notification, the government has permitted the export of agarwood oil and chips from Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport subject to all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
Agarwood is a rare and highly expensive fragrant wood that forms inside certain Asian evergreen trees.
Assam is widely recognised as the "agarwood capital of India".
To protect itself, the tree produces a dark, thick resin that turns the wood into a heavily scented and dark heartwood.
While the chips are burned as traditional incense, the oil is used in luxury perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional medicine.
West Asia is the dominant market for agarwood. Other major destinations include Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe, officials said.
