Guwahati airport approved as export hub for agarwood products
Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced the decision following a request from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The central government has designated Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati as a designated site for exporting agarwood oil and agarwood chips, according to The Assam Tribune.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the approval on social media on Saturday. He stated the decision was made following a request from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Goyal said the move would provide a logistical boost for Assam and the Northeast by bringing international markets closer to local producers. He described the development as a relief for farmers and exporters of the product.
Chief Minister Sarma welcomed the notification, stating it would simplify logistics for businesses and increase profitability for farmers. He noted that Assam is a leading producer of agarwood, which has high international demand.
The Chief Minister's Office stated that Assam holds approximately 81 per cent of India's agarwood resources. The industry currently supports more than 50,000 workers and farmers.
In October, Assam exported 123 kg of agarwood chips to Dubai. Agarwood is used globally in the production of essential oils, perfumes, and incense.