Kalim Khan appointed as president of Nagpur Agarbatti Welfare Association
Mr Kaleem Khan has been appointed the President of the Nagpur Agarbatti and Fragrance Association. Sugandh India congratulates him and in an exclusive interview discusses his plans for welfare of the industry under his leadership. In response to a question by Sugandh India, Mr Khan clarified misconceptions about the role of an association, stating that while some expect it to provide financial and business support, this is not feasible. He explained that the association primarily focuses on welfare initiatives, which include raising aware-ness, addressing industry challenges with the government, and advocating for concessions. Mr Khan acknowledged that the association’s magazine has not been published for the past year but assured that eff orts are underway to resume publication. He stressed the importance of transparency in the organisation’s operations and decision-making processes. When asked about the possibility of future expos, Mr Khan expressed optimism, noting that with collective eff orts, organising another expo would certainly be achievable.
Mr Kaleem Khan, revealed plans to accelerate welfare initiatives under the organisation. Mr Khan, who also heads Rocket Agarbatti and Perfume Private Limited, Nagpur, was recently elected President of the association after serving as vice president for a decade. He noted that the association has a long-standing history of impactful programmes, citing an expo organised eight years ago under the stewardship of Mr Deepak Thakral (the first president) as a landmark success. Mr Khan emphasised that the core mission remains centred on welfare activities. It also seeks to address challenges faced by the incense stick industry by advocating with the central government for better facilities and support to resolve business difficulties.
Mr Kaleem Khan, has called on the central government to lower the 27.5% customs duty on bamboo imports. Speaking to Sugandh India, Mr Khan highlighted that while bamboo cultivation under the Bamboo Mission began five years ago to support incense stick production and other industries, it has not delivered the desired results. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made significant efforts to promote self-reliance in bamboo production, but these initiatives have yet to yield tangible outcomes. Consequently, no companies have ventured into bamboo-related businesses. Importing bamboo from China is crucial for agarbatti manufacturing. Mr Khan pointed out that high import duties
on bamboo are a bottleneck. He emphasised the need for immediate government intervention. The association is working to build consensus among stakeholders and plans to advocate for reduced customs duties with the government. Efforts are currently underway to address this pressing issue.
Mr Kaleem Khan, highlighted the need for targeted efforts to support small-scale producers in the incense and dhoop industry who face financial constraints. Addressing a query from Sugandh India regarding the association’s role in resolving disputes over quality and pricing in the incense stick industry, Mr Khan clarified that the association cannot regulate these aspects. He stressed that quality and pricing are matters that industry stakeholders must address independently through their initiatives. Mr Khan reflected on the industry’s transition from handmade production, which employed a large workforce, to mechanised production.
This shift has significantly reduced labour opportunities and created challenges for many, particularly small manufacturers. He noted that some cities were once key hubs for incense stick production during the handmade era. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring a steady supply of raw incense sticks, stating that their availability is critical for the success of scented incense stick manufacturers.
