Induction Training | Introduction | Methods & Techniques | Step by Step | Post-Inoculation Care | Harvesting
Step 1: Identifying Harvest-Ready Trees
- Trees with dark resinous streaks visible from drilling points.
- Strong woody aroma detected near inoculation wounds.
- No further increase in resin after the 4-5 year mark.
Test Method: Drill a small hole near existing inoculation sites and check for dark, fragrant resin.
Step 2: Sustainable Tree Harvesting
There are two major harvesting methods:
| Harvesting Method | Process | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Selective Harvesting | Cutting only resin-rich sections while keeping the tree alive. | Long-term sustainable farming. |
| Full-Tree Harvesting | Cutting down the entire tree and processing it for resin. | Old or severely infected trees. |
Best Practice: Use selective harvesting to allow the tree to recover and continue resin production.
Step 3: Wood Processing for Agarwood Products
Once harvested, proper drying & grading ensures the best market value.
| Processing Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Remove dirt, outer bark & non-resinous wood. |
| Drying | Sun-dry or air-dry for 2-3 weeks to enhance aroma. |
| Sorting | Separate based on resin concentration & grade. |
| Grinding | For oud oil extraction, agarwood chips are ground into fine powder. |
| Steam Distillation | Oud oil is extracted using traditional or supercritical CO₂ methods. |
For Premium Oud Oil: Supercritical CO₂ extraction yields high-quality, pure oud oil for luxury perfumes & medicinal uses.
Agarwood Grading & Market Value
Agarwood is classified based on resin concentration, aroma, and texture.
| Grade | Characteristics | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A+ (Kyara) | Dark black, highly resinous, strong aroma | $$$$$ (Luxury market) |
| Grade A | Deep brown, solid resin lines, rich fragrance | $$$$ |
| Grade B | Medium brown, moderate resin, mild aroma | $$$ |
| Grade C | Light brown, less resin, weak aroma | $$ |
Premium agarwood is sold at $10,000–$100,000/kg in the international market!
Key Challenges & Solutions in Post-Inoculation Care & Harvesting
| Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Slow resin formation | Use biological inoculants & proper soil care. |
| Tree mortality | Avoid excessive inoculation holes. |
| Pest infestation | Use organic pest control (neem oil, diatomaceous earth, companion planting). |
| Poor resin quality | Extend the maturation period (3-5 years) before harvesting. |
| Overharvesting | Use selective harvesting to allow tree regrowth. |
Best Strategy: Maintain healthy trees, practice sustainable harvesting, and process agarwood properly for maximum profit.