Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: The Nagaland Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rain Forest Research Institute in Jorhat on Saturday. This deal aims to overhaul the state's agarwood industry through scientific research and better technology. The formal signing took place at the Forest Office Complex in Dimapur.
Principal Secretary Y. Kikheto Sema and RFRI Director Dr. Nitin Kulkarni signed the agreement. Senior forest officials also attended the event. Nagaland possesses vast natural resources, yet the state currently utilizes only two percent of the national agarwood quota. Neighboring states dominate the market. A lack of specific policy previously stalled local growth.
The state cabinet approved the Nagaland Agarwood Policy on May 6, 2026, following consultations with the institute. This policy creates a framework for cultivation, research, and marketing. Y. Kikheto Sema noted that agarwood could bring returns 40 to 50 times higher than traditional jhum cultivation. He also confirmed the state plans to integrate RFRI’s Sashi Inoculation technology. This method achieves artificial resin formation with a success rate of over 90 percent. Dr. Kulkarni praised the partnership, stating, "The collaboration would focus on surveying existing agarwood resources, assessing quality, expanding plantations, promoting agroforestry, and applying scientific technologies such as artificial inoculation to improve resin formation and commercial value."
The collaboration extends beyond agarwood. It includes research on bamboo, improved clonal teak varieties, and other forestry resources. Chief Conservator of Forests Sidramappa Chalkapure said the initiative followed guidance from Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh. The agreement aims to standardize soil testing, seedling distribution, and export management. Officials expect these scientific interventions to provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers and youth across the state.
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