One of Aruna Plant Nursery’s ongoing projects is to introduce the cultivation of the “walla patta” (gyrinops walla) plant in home gardens and large scale operations. An endangered and protected species, the walla patta plant and its chestnut brown heartwood secretes resin that produces agarwood, a highly lucrative ingredient used to produce perfumes and incense. “We are happy that we can introduce change and growth to people. Over the years, these plants can help people gain wholesome profits and also curb the illegal trade of walla patta in Sri Lanka”, says Mr. Aruna, as he prepares the next consignment of 10,000 walla patta saplings to be released at the end of the month. Several cases of illegal smuggling of the plant from protected forests have been exposed over the last few years, and measures such as this can be instrumental in stopping the threat of smuggling in the years to come. © Reza Akram / DFAT 2017