India’s agarbatti industry does more than spread fragrance. It employs a huge number of people, mainly women in rural areas. It is ecofriendly, the agarbatti or incense stick being made from natural materials and biodegradable. It is also importantly a foreign exchange earner since Indian agarbattis are well regarded internationally and command a good price.
The lockdown brought production to a standstill, but stocks continued to sell. In times of trouble people turn to prayer. Sales are particularly brisk during the festive season and usually go up by 50 percent. This year, because manufacturing units were closed. . .