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                          Farmers' bitcoin, Oud

How expensive do you think a tree can be? One lakh rupees? One million rupees? There is a tree in a temple in Bangkok has cost 23 million. Undoubtedly, it is the most valuable tree in the world, which is called "Oud" in Arabic and Agarwood in English.

 

The rarest type of oud is Kenan, which is valued at 9 million per kg in the global market. Some time ago, a two-kilogram piece of Kenan sold for 18 million in Shanghai. The price of oud usually depends on the amount of liquor in it which sells for 80,000 per litre. Besides, its bark sells for 200 to 5,000 per kg. The question is, what is it about this tree that Japanese investors are willing to pay so much for?

 

 

 

Oud is a tree that has religious status in Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. While it is mentioned in the Hindu religious book Rig Veda, there is evidence that in the time of Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) this wood was imported from India and used for perfume.

It is said in the hadith that "you must know this Hindi oud that there are seven types of healing in it". The lucky ones who have had the privilege of visiting the House of Allah must have felt the enchanting fragrance in the atmosphere of the Haram. This fragrance arises from the burning of incense. The scent of the incense is also applied to the cover of the Kaaba and the Black Room.

 

Oud is considered one of the most expensive perfumes in the world, used only by Arab princes and rich people. Mention the medicinal benefits of this tree, its effect is dreamy. Beneficial in joint pain, skin diseases, indigestion and cancer. Incense vapours are effective for those who meditate or do similar mental exercises.

 

Demand for oud is growing globally. Its current global market is 32 32 billion, which will double in the next eight years. What is the reason that despite so many benefits, the demand for this tree is not being met? Simply put, this is because of the limited production of oud.

 

Interestingly, not every tree produces oud, nor does it smell, but when a particular type of mould appears on these trees, a reddish substance is produced. These substances are actually the tree's anti-fungal chemicals that increase the value of the wood. Such pieces of wood or sawdust are burned and used on an industrial scale to obtain perfume or to extract liquor from it. Only 2% of incense naturally produces fungus. Therefore, artificial fungal infections are performed in it, for which nails are inserted at a distance of four inches on its stem or injections are made in the stem.

 

Normally, looking at a tree does not tell whether it has reproduced or not. Therefore, the oud is being harvested relentlessly to meet the growing demand. Oud forests in Assam are extinct. Although government-sponsored oud tree planting has begun, it is not enough to meet the demand. The World Health Organization (WHO) has banned deforestation to save the tree from extinction. Malaysia and Indonesia have a quota for the export of this tree, which requires a certificate issued by the sites. Despite such restrictions and strict international laws, Oud is being black-marketed.

 

Bangkok's Arab Street is a stronghold of the Oud Mafia, a business that includes police, customs officials and even the underworld mafia. Oud trees from different countries around the world are secretly cut down and sold here. The Oud Mafia is also mixing lead to an increase in its weight, which is deadly to human health.

 

Oud is mostly grown in Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka and India. The climate and soil in Pakistan is conducive to the cultivation of oud. The tree can withstand temperatures of a minimum of 5 degrees and a maximum of 42 degrees, while it grows best at temperatures of 25 degrees. In most parts of Pakistan, the season is suitable for its cultivation in March and April. Its seeds should be planted in pots etc. at the beginning so that they can be taken good care of. If direct seeds are planted in light soil, the seeds germinate in ten days. For the first few weeks, keep the plants in an open area in front of a window to keep them light. After three months, the plants can move to the field. They are then cared for like normal trees. The tree is usually ready in 10 years, but now it is sold after 4 years.

 

Today, agriculture is not limited to growing a few crops. At present, developed countries are working for the development of agroforestry. In which the income of the farmers is increased by planting trees along with the crops. Ordinary farmers can earn millions by planting such trees in addition to their crops. The older the oud, olive, teak and sandalwood, the higher their price. Therefore, these trees can be an asset for future generations.

 

There is a need for government-sponsored research on these trees and the development of varieties that are compatible with the local environment. After that, the farmers should be trained by adopting suitable methods for their cultivation so that they can benefit from agroforestry.