We take pride in producing the finest Burmese agarwood through responsible cultivation and community-driven practices. So in this article, we’re giving you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our agarwood trees at our primary plantation in Hlegu, north of Yangon, and transform them into the world-renowned oud wood and oil perfumers, collectors and consumers love.
From the early morning care of delicate Aquilaria trees to the detailed work of processing agarwood, every step of our journey is rooted in passion, expertise, and respect—for nature, for our people, and for our customers.
Early Morning: Nurturing the Agarwood Trees
Our day begins at the crack of dawn. As the sun rises over our green plantation, our team is already busy caring for our precious Aquilaria trees—the source of agarwood. These trees require a lot of care and attention, which is why they are so valuable.
The morning routine includes watering, managing the soil, and inspecting the farm for any signs of disease or pests and clearing weeds or other overgrowth. Aquilaria trees are sensitive, and even a slight change in the environment can affect their growth. This is why our experienced team, with years of knowledge, carefully monitors every tree’s health.
We believe the best Burmese agarwood comes from trees nurtured with care. Unhealthy trees can’t produce quality oud, so this part of the process is the most important of all.
Afternoon: The Harvest
By mid-morning, the plantation is buzzing with activity. Our workforce is made up of local community members, providing stable jobs that support families in the region.
For us, it’s not just about growing agarwood—it’s about growing communities. Many of our workers have been with us for years, helping to build an inclusive and supportive workplace. By investing in our people, we ensure they can support their families while contributing to something greater. When we invest in people, we’re investing in a stronger future for everyone.
Before the afternoon heat (or rain) sets in, we move to one of the most critical parts of the day—harvesting. But as with everything related to how agarwood is made, timing is key. The trees are carefully selected when the resin has matured enough to produce premium-quality agarwood.
Our harvesting process requires patience and precision. We use meticulous planning, precise timing, and a unique natural inoculation formula that helps the resin form over 12 to 18 months. This ensures the quality of the agarwood heartwood we collect. Each tree has its own unqiue identification number, allowing us to track its health and readiness for harvest.
Late Afternoon: Processing Agarwood into Oudh
By late afternoon, the focus shifts from the fields to our processing facilities. This is where the magic happens—where raw agarwood is transformed into the luxurious oudh that is in high demand around the world.
Our processing techniques blend traditional methods passed down through generations with expertise from around Myanmar, United States, China, and Australia. Each piece of agarwood is carefully evaluated to determine its quality before undergoing the extraction process. This step is essential to ensure that the wood keeps its value, resulting in the deep, complex scent that makes oudh so special.
We take quality control seriously. Every batch of oudh undergoes rigorous testing to meet the highest standards. Our reputation for premium products is built on our commitment to delivering only the best to our customers.
Dedication to Sustainability and Quality
Our operations are driven by respect for sustainability, community, and craftsmanship. From nurturing agarwood trees to producing the finest oudh, We’re committed to ethical practices and premium quality.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our products or request a sample. When you choose Agarwin-Keystone, you’re not just buying agarwood—you’re investing in a legacy of quality and sustainability.