Aromatic oil in the tree
The world demand for agarwood or gaharu is accelerating over the recent years and so thus its prices.
In Borneo, world's largest producer of super graded gaharu, the local jungle collectors find it harder and harder to earn a living on wild gaharu due to fast deforestation surrounding their village areas for various development projects by the government agencies and private sectors.
It may take the tradional gatherers weeks and even months to stay in the wild jungle to search for agarwood.
Aquilaria flowers
Super Grade gaharu
Grade A gaharu
The agar or gaharu is a dark resin formed in the trunk of Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees. The darker the resin colour the more expensive it would become in global markets.
Worldwide volume sale is 6 to 12 billion USD per annum.
Super Grade is priced around USD1,000 per kilogram while its oil reaches USD40,000 per litre.
Agarwood plantation
New technologies make it possible to plant thus cultivate agarwood in various countries around the globe.
The number of agarwood plantations is increasing but the total production is still very far from the demand figure.
Juvenile gaharu tree
Ready to produce resin
Agarwood takes five years to grow before it produces quality oil and may cost a planter USD250 to cultivate a tree per year.
Recognised by its leaves and flowers
Gaharu is used by religious groups as burning incense and a vital ingredient in super-quality perfume and cosmetic making industries.