In commercial Agarwood cultivation, it is possible to yield Agarwood even from 7- to 8-year-old (sometimes even younger) trees by drilling artificial holes in their trunks and infecting them. The main principle of all these processes is to drill holes in the tree trunk to inoculate a mixture of chemicals, organic compounds, or microorganisms.
Sixteen different technologies for inoculation have been developed at Agrotech Resources. Some of the techniques are developed in-house with a comprehensive technical knowhow of artificial inoculation. And few technologies are also developed in fruitful collaborations with leading international institutions. Such patented technologies are currently adopted in association with overseas partners at our plantations.
Based on requirement, the company identifies mature tress to be inoculated each year by discussing with farmers who wish to sell their produce. The company has well trained inoculation team, which works on all aspects right from identifying trees, inoculating them on proper time, carry out booster inoculation if required and harvesting till transporting trees to primary processing center. Inoculation charges are reasonable and it is on cost-to-cost basis for its member planters of Agrotech Resources.
Further, the company has conducted research that has led to an inoculation technology which produces less volume but better-quality resinous wood. It is an efficient method that resembles the natural phenomena where simple and cost-effective steps are adopted. 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. Our team will inspect the trees and provide advice on identifying the right trees that are ready for harvesting by examining the infection rate. The age or size of the tree trunk does not decide the harvest time of commercially grown Agarwood. Trees can be harvested only when the formation of resinous wood is complete. When Agarwood is grown as a commercial crop, harvesting has to be done at a specified time for certain trees, making it a constant operation. Harvesting is done based on the method of inoculation followed for that particular tree. In general, trees which are inoculated for oil extraction will be harvested after 12 to 24 months. If trees are inoculated for chips, the harvesting time will be after 3 to 4 years, as longer the time before harvest, the better the quality.