AGARWOOD could fetch up to $US100,000 ($F221,000) a kilogram on international markets, but Fiji’s Forestry Ministry has warned farmers and landowners not to get carried away, saying the country has yet to confirm successful production of the highly valued resinous wood.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu told Parliament this week that while Agarwood (Aquilaria) trees were being grown in Fiji, there was still no evidence confirming commercial Agarwood production.
“There is considerable interest in the international market for Agarwood,” she said.
“Current market information indicates values ranging from approximately $US500 ($F1105) per kilogram for chips or raw wood, to as much as $US100,000 per kilogram or more, depending on factors such as grade, resin saturation and whether the material is wild-harvested, plantation-grown or synthetic.
“At this stage, the Ministry of Forestry cannot confirm that Agarwood has been successfully produced in Fiji.”
Ms Bainivalu said Agarwood production depended on species, growing conditions, tree age and health, and particularly the inoculation method and timing.
The ministry is conducting inoculation trials at Navuso, Naitasiri, Vusuya, Tailevu, Nasavusavu in Ra and Dravuwalu, Kadavu, with results expected to help determine suitable methods for Fiji.
She said Government would fund inoculation research and development of an Agarwood guideline over the next five years.
“There is currently a misconception that simply planting an Aquilaria tree will result in Agarwood production. The reality is more complex.”
Ms Bainivalu said Fiji must ensure the emerging industry was based on evidence rather than speculation.
“Our approach must therefore be research-based, farmer-centred, environmentally responsible and commercially realistic.”
