1.6 harvest planning for agarwood,

Here’s a comprehensive guide on harvest planning for agarwood, focusing on manpower, safety, cutting strategy, and tools:

1. Manpower Planning

  • Team size: Depends on the number and size of trees; typically 2–4 workers per tree for small plots, larger teams for estates.
  • Roles & Responsibilities:
    1. Team leader / supervisor: Oversees the harvest, coordinates tasks, ensures safety.
    2. Cutting crew: Skilled workers using saws or chainsaws for precision cutting.
    3. Transporters / loaders: Move harvested logs to drying or processing areas.
    4. Assistants / spotters: Support, monitor tree stability, and handle tools.
  • Skill requirements: Workers should be trained in resin zone identification, safe handling of cutting tools, and tree support techniques.
  • Scheduling: Harvest during dry season to minimize slip hazards and fungal spread.

2. Safety Gear

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to prevent injuries from cutting tools, falling branches, or resin handling:

EquipmentPurpose
Safety helmetProtect head from falling branches
Eye protection / gogglesShield from wood chips and sawdust
GlovesProtect hands from cuts and resin staining
Steel-toe bootsPrevent foot injuries from logs or tools
Ear protectionChainsaw or mechanical tool noise
Respirator / maskDust or fungal spore inhalation
Protective clothingLong sleeves & pants to prevent scratches

Tip: Ensure all team members are trained in PPE use and first aid protocols.

3. Cutting Strategy

Goal: Maximize resin recovery while minimizing wood damage and worker risk.

  1. Identify resin zones:
    • Use visual (color), olfactory (scent), and tactile (density) indicators.
    • Core sampling can confirm maturity.
  2. Cutting approach:
    • Selective harvesting: Remove only resin-rich sections; leave non-resinous wood for future resin production if sustainable management is desired.
    • Log orientation: Cut logs along resin streaks for maximum resin retention.
    • Incremental cuts: Start with small cross-sections to inspect resin before felling entire trunk.
  3. Tree stability:
    • Check for leaning or hollow sections before cutting.
    • Use ropes or braces if felling large trees to control direction.
  4. Minimize contamination:
    • Avoid scraping against soil or muddy surfaces to prevent fungal contamination.

4. Tools & Equipment

Tool / EquipmentUse
Chainsaw / Hand sawFelling and sectioning trees
Machete / HatchetSmall cuts, trimming branches
Chisels / GougesRemoving bark or small resin pockets
Mallet / HammerDriving chisels or adjusting cutting tools
Increment borer / Core samplerOptional: check resin zones before cutting
Rope / Tree braceSafety and directional control when felling large trees
Measuring tape / Marking toolsRecord resin-rich sections and cutting points
Wheelbarrow / Cart / ForkliftTransport logs to processing area
Cleaning brushesRemove sawdust or debris before processing

Maintenance Tips:

  • Keep cutting tools sharp to avoid splintering or uneven cuts.
  • Sanitize tools if working across multiple trees to reduce pathogen spread.

5. Harvest Workflow Example

  1. Pre-harvest inspection: Identify resin zones, assess tree stability.
  2. Tool preparation: Inspect, sharpen, and sanitize cutting tools.
  3. Assign roles: Ensure each worker knows their task and safety responsibilities.
  4. Cut resin-rich sections: Follow cutting strategy, using PPE and ropes if needed.
  5. Transport to processing area: Avoid dragging wood on soil.
  6. Post-harvest inspection: Mark any remaining resinous wood for future harvest.
  7. Recordkeeping: Note tree ID, resin yield, and quality for inventory and traceability.

If you want, I can create a visual harvest planning checklist infographic showing manpower, PPE, tools, and cutting steps, perfect for field crews and training manuals.

Do you want me to make that infographic?