Agarwood Cultivation and Sustainable Farming

Full Course Syllabus – Agarwood (Aquilaria) Cultivation & Sustainable Farming Program

Duration: 2–5 days (modular, adjustable)
Delivery: Lecture • Field Practicum • Workshops • Labs • Assessment
Certification: Certificate in Agarwood Cultivation & Sustainable Farming

MODULE 1 — Introduction to Agarwood – Foundations of the Industry & Ecology

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the biology, ecology, and species diversity of Aquilaria.
  • Recognize global and ASEAN agarwood market dynamics.
  • Appreciate sustainability, conservation, and legal frameworks.

Topics:

  1. What is Agarwood? Formation, resin biology, and cultural history.
  2. Aquilaria species overview (native Philippine species, introduced spp.).
  3. Ecological significance & role in forest ecosystems.
  4. Value chain overview: chips, oil, incense, perfumery, wellness.
  5. Global & local market: demand, supply, pricing patterns.
  6. CITES, DENR regulations, permits, licensing, and ethical trade.

MODULE 2 — Site Selection & Farm Planning – Designing a Sustainable Agarwood Plantation

Learning Objectives:

  • Select ideal climate, soil, and terrain for Aquilaria.
  • Design agroforestry-based layouts for productivity and biodiversity.

Topics:

  1. Climate parameters (rainfall, elevation, wind, microclimates).
  2. Soil analysis: pH, texture, drainage, organic matter & amendments.
  3. Land assessment: slope, shade, accessibility, water sources.
  4. Plantation layout: density, spacing, cluster vs linear planting.
  5. Agroforestry integration: nitrogen-fixing species, shade trees, intercrops.
  6. Irrigation systems: low-cost to advanced drip options.

MODULE 3 — Propagation & Nursery Management – Ensuring High-Quality Planting Material

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn propagation via seeds, cuttings, and tissue culture.
  • Manage a nursery for strong, disease-free seedlings.

Topics:

  1. Seed selection, viability testing, sterilization.
  2. Tissue culture (micropropagation & organogenesis) overview.
  3. Nursery setup: shade nets, humidity, watering, root development.
  4. Hardening & acclimatization protocols.
  5. Nursery pest/disease management.

MODULE 4 — Plantation Establishment & Maintenance – Tree Health, Growth, and Productivity

Learning Objectives:

  • Implement field planting, maintenance, and canopy management.
  • Apply organic/sustainable inputs for rapid, healthy growth.

Topics:

  1. Planting techniques: timing, hole preparation, mulching.
  2. Fertility management: compost teas, mycorrhizae, organic fertilizers.
  3. Weed control: manual, mulching, cover crops.
  4. Pruning systems and canopy management for resin formation.
  5. Pests and diseases in the plantation and their control.
  6. Monitoring schedules (monthly, quarterly, annual).

MODULE 5 — Resin Induction (Inoculation) Techniques – Mechanisms, Methods & Safety

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand biological and artificial resin induction.
  • Apply safe, effective inoculation protocols.

Topics:

  1. Natural resin formation vs artificial induction.
  2. Fungal methods (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum): theory and protocols.
  3. Dual-action inoculants (e.g., MnO₂ + fungal blends).
  4. Mechanical induction: drilling, tapping, wound management.
  5. Post-inoculation monitoring (3–24 months).
  6. Safety and biosecurity protocols.

MODULE 6 — Post-Inoculation Management & Harvesting – Maximizing Resin Yield Sustainably

Learning Objectives:

  • Assess resin development and determine optimal harvest timing.
  • Harvest and process agarwood sustainably.

Topics:

  1. Indicators of resin formation (color, scent, density).
  2. How long to wait after inoculation (12–36 months).
  3. Sustainable harvesting methods (minimizing tree stress).
  4. Drying, curing, and chip preparation.
  5. Grading systems: chips, sinking grade, super grade, incense-grade.

MODULE 7 — Value Addition: Oil Extraction & Quality Control – Turning Wood Into High-Value Oud Oil

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand extraction methods and quality parameters.
  • Analyze oils for market-ready quality.

Topics:

  1. Distillation methods: hydro, steam, hybrid.
  2. Supercritical CO₂ extraction (for premium oils).
  3. Output yield vs grade expectations.
  4. GC-MS, FTIR, sensory analysis.
  5. ISO 4730, IFRA, export standards.
  6. Packaging, storage, and shelf-life.

MODULE 8 — Business, Economics & Farm Management – Ensuring Profitability & Long-Term Success

Learning Objectives:

  • Calculate costs, returns, and risks.
  • Build a viable business model and investment plan.

Topics:

  1. Startup cost analysis (nursery → harvesting).
  2. Annual operating expenses, labor, maintenance.
  3. Yield projections, ROI, breakeven period.
  4. Market channels: local, export, wholesale, perfumery.
  5. Branding, traceability, sustainability certifications.
  6. Cooperative and community models.

MODULE 9 — Legal Compliance, Certification & Ethical Sourcing – From DENR Regulations to Global Standards

Learning Objectives:

  • Navigate permits, compliance, and trade legality.

Topics:

  1. CITES regulations for Aquilaria.
  2. DENR-Wildlife, EMB, LGU requirements.
  3. Export regulations and documentation.
  4. Ethical sourcing, fair labor, FPIC, traceability systems.
  5. Sustainability certifications (organic, eco-labels).