NATURALS IN AGARBATTI

A. INTRODUCTION

The word “AGARBATTI” which split gives “AGAR” + “BATTI”. In Indian context “AGAR” can be taken

as Agarwood (aquilaria agallocha) a fragrant wood found widely in north-east part of India and

“BATTI” as coated bamboo stick.

Outside India, Japan has a long History of incense making and there are records of incense factories

in Kyoto dating back to 1705. This is a different kind of incense stick compared to its Indian

counterpart which does not use bamboo stick. In 1894 incense stick was introduced in the west.

Indian market being a price sensitive one has always pushed Indian Agarbatti Industry to offer a

quality product within a threshold price limit. This has led to the industry refraining to use natural

materials which are known for their irregular supplies and uncertain prices. Hence only natural

products which would be available within a specific price range and available in abundance would fit

into the industry’s pallet.

B. DISTILLATION REFUGE

Agarwood and Sandalwood distillation refuge has been traditionally used for making incense sticks

however both these woods remained in the wild and limited domestication of these species led to a

gradual decline in its harvesting and processing. As alternatives use of following distillation refuge

has been started by few manufacturers.

1. Nagarmotha

2. Patchouli

3. Vetiver

4. Sugandh Kokila

5. Jatamansi

Nagarmotha oil is one of the core ingredients in oriental fragrances and has no identical synthetic

substitute. It is collected and processed in central India. Its distillation refuge generation is estimated

to be 7500 MT/Annum. Average market price of 100 mesh Nagarmotha Powder is Rs.14/Kg

Other than the products mentioned refuge of the following products currently finds no takers other

than for fuel purpose. Same can also be evaluated and used if found compatible.

1. Anethi

2. Ajowan

3. Nutmeg

4. Cumin

CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants) Lucknow runs a program with involves

women SHG’s for making agarbatti’s from waste flowers obtained from religious centers. This

product has been marketed in the name of “Mos Rep” – Mosquito Repellent Herbal Agarbatti

Source: MAPS Journal

C. RESINOIDS

1. Frankincense

2. Myrrh

3. Galbanum

Frankincense is general term which refers to all “boswellia” species. There are 5-6 species of

frankincense worldwide which are commercially harvested for its latex. In India the only specie of

frankincense harvested is “boswellia serrata”. Most of the production goes into manufacturing

“Bowellic Acid” which has pharmaceutical use. The rest goes into making “Loban” which is graded

frankincense for burning purpose. Hence only a small part of it goes for processing the latex into

essential oil and resinoid. As DEP is widely used in Indian agarbatti Industry most resinoid

manufacturers base their resinoid on it.

Production of Frankincense Latex…….? 1200 MT / Annum

Average Price…………………………………….? Rs.150/Kg Latex processed into Essential Oil……..? 20-25 MT / Annum Quantity of Resinoid Produced…………? 5-6 MT / Annum

CARYOPHYLLENE is a bi-product of clove leaf oil rectification. It is available round the year from

Indonesia and other clove oil distilling countries. It has been used in award-winning agarbatti.

Current market price of crude caryophyllene is lesser than DEP hence it can be explored as a possible

alternative for making resinoid.

D. PYROLISED OILS

In cedarwood (cedrus deodar) growing regions of India natives collect fallen part of cedarwood tree

and carry out its destructive distillation. This product is available at the same price as cedarwood oil

however very different odor profile.

E. CERTIFIED ORGANIC AGARBATTI

Agarbatti makers who strictly use all natural ingredients can explore the possibility of certifying their

product as per NPOP (National Program for Organic Production) Standards. Certified organic

products have their own niche market and organic label attracts a premium