The Agarwood Export Development Study undertaken by Impact360 Foundation focuses on assessing and strengthening India’s position in the rapidly growing global market for natural aroma compounds and bio-based fragrance ingredients. Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.), widely known as Oud, is among the most valuable natural fragrance materials used in perfumery, wellness, cosmetics, and aromatherapy industries worldwide. With rising global demand across luxury markets in the Middle East, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and increasingly Europe and North America. India—particularly the North-Eastern Region including Assam and Tripura—holds significant potential due to its favourable agro-climatic conditions, established cultivation practices, and expanding base of agarwood plantations. Through a comprehensive mixed-method research approach involving sector assessment, value chain analysis, regulatory review, stakeholder consultations, trade data analysis, and international benchmarking, the study aims to identify strategic interventions to enhance India’s competitiveness in the agarwood industry. The key outcome will be the development of a structured Export Roadmap for Agarwood and Value-Added Products from North-East India, outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to strengthen the export ecosystem, promote value addition, support smallholder producers, and ensure sustainable resource management. The study has been commissioned by Shellac & Forest Products Export Council (apex agency sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India)
