Fragrant wood a lifelong passion of Hainan businessman

Tunchang county, situated in the only hilly terrain of tropical Hainan island, is home to an expanse of agarwood trees on about 1,300 hectares.

Agarwood, a resin-infused fragrant wood known for its aromatic and medicinal properties, holds significant cultural and economic value in the county.

With more than three decades of experience in planting agarwood, Hainan Minghe Agarwood Industrial Co is a pioneer in the local industry. With native agarwood trees (Aquilaria sinensis) growing on 333 hectares, it has built the largest production capacity in the county.

The company has launched a series of highly acclaimed products, including agarwood incense sticks, bracelets, essential oils, moxibustion sticks, tea and agarwood-infused alcohol.

"Revenues in 2022 exceeded 26 million yuan ($3.6 million)," said Hu Yanming, president of the company. "By September of last year, we reached 43 million yuan. We are excited about the prospect of creating even greater value this year."

Hu, who is in his 60s, said that agarwood planting is more than a livelihood for him. It's also a genuine passion and a noble cause.

"It has become an integral part of my life, shaping my identity and purpose. My aspiration is for the agarwood industry in my hometown of Tunchang to thrive, to extend the reach of agarwood into the lives of more people and bring prosperity to local farmers," he said.

In November, a certification trademark processing window for agarwood was opened in Tunchang, adding to the county's growing reputation as a key player in the fragrant wood industry. It is on a rising trajectory, with 20 agarwood planting enterprises and cooperatives, including two large-scale enterprises.

Tunchang aims to make agarwood cultivation a large-scale industry and establish itself nationally for its fragrant products by 2030. The plan to expand planting by an additional 800 hectares by 2026 — bringing the total to more than 2,000 hectares — is expected to stabilize annual resin output at some 50 metric tons, valued at more than 300 million yuan.

In addition to its extensive agarwood planting, Tunchang county is fostering a group of top enterprises dedicated to cultivation, processing and commerce.

They also plan to develop agarwood-themed health tourism destinations, museums and distinctive towns, providing visitors with an authentic and engaging experience linked to the deep-rooted history of agarwood.