Fri Jul 18 19:09:37 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a brief summary of the original article:

**Summary of the Original Article:**

The All-India Agarbathi Manufacturing Association (AIAMA) announced that it will adopt Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification to ensure quality control in the ₹8,000-crore agarbathi industry. The association also plans to organize a three-day expo and conference in Bengaluru in November 2025 to promote innovation, address industry challenges, and explore new opportunities. The Indian Agarbathi industry is a robust one, that produces between 16,000 and 20,000 tonnes of product a month, and employees over 200,000 women. 80% of the market is in India, and the remaining 20% is export to 120 different countries, worth ₹1,000 crore. The industry is experiencing growth, particularly in non-traditional niches like yoga and meditation.

**News Article:**

**Indian Agarbathi Industry to Adopt Quality Standards, Eyes Expansion at Bengaluru Expo**

**Bengaluru, July 19, 2025** – The All-India Agarbathi Manufacturing Association (AIAMA) has announced a significant step towards maintaining quality and fostering growth in the ₹8,000-crore Indian agarbathi (incense stick) industry. The association will adopt Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification to ensure a consistent benchmark for product quality.

“Through this initiative, we aim to instil pride and deepen the sense of belonging among all stakeholders in the agarbathi ecosystem,” said Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, president of the AIAMA.

Speaking to the media, Arjun Ranga, immediate past president of AIAMA, emphasized the rising global demand for agarbathis. “Our vision is to bring the entire agarbathi fraternity up to speed with the evolving business landscape and more exciting opportunities.”

Currently, India produces between 16,000 and 20,000 tonnes of incense sticks monthly, employing over two lakh women. The country exports ₹1,000 crore worth of agarbathis to 120 countries, with 80% of production sold domestically.

To further strengthen the industry, the AIAMA will host a three-day expo and conference from November 6-8 in Bengaluru. The event will feature discussions on key industry issues, including policy, employment, raw material sourcing, consumer trends, and innovations in products and packaging.

“The showcase will feature rare agarbathi samples, iconic photographs, prestigious awards, and other significant memorabilia. It is designed not only to honour the journey of the industry but also to inspire future generations of agarbathi entrepreneurs,” said Ranga, who will also chair the AIAMA EXPO.

The expo, spanning 1,20,000 sq. ft, will include seminars covering job creation, raw material sourcing, fragrance research, packaging developments, women empowerment, export opportunities, and modern marketing techniques. The event is supported by organizations such as the Fragrance and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI), the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), and the Essential Oils Association of India (EOAI). Organizers expect over 5,000 delegates and exhibitors from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and European countries.

The industry is also seeing growth in non-traditional niches such as yoga and meditation, alongside the traditional prayer market, according to a recent AIAMA study.

The AIAMA represents over 800 direct and 3,000 indirect agarbathi manufacturers across India, with over 5,000 different agarbathi products currently available.

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