Tripura seeks GI tag for its world-famous Agar wood as the government plans nurseries, free sapling distribution, and agroforestry expansion. With rising farmer interest and big companies joining, the state eyes higher GST revenue and global recognition for Agar.
The Tripura government has intensified its efforts to promote Agar cultivation by seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the state’s Agar wood. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the initiative after a delegation from the All Tripura Agar Wood Association met him to discuss the growing potential of Agar in the state.
The Minister revealed that the state government, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and the Forest Department, is working on a detailed plan to expand Agar cultivation under the agroforestry model. As part of this initiative, the government is preparing to establish dedicated Agar nurseries across the state and distribute saplings among farmers and citizens free of cost.
Agar’s Economic and Cultural Value
Agar, popularly known as “liquid gold,” is prized globally for its aromatic resin, oil, and chips used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. Tripura has long been known for producing some of the finest Agar wood in India, with high demand both within the country and abroad. Minister Nath highlighted that Agar cultivation has already proven profitable for the state, with Kadamtala in North Tripura becoming a notable hub.
“Due to Agar cultivation in Kadamtala last year, the state witnessed significant GST revenue, which directly benefitted the government’s resources. Now farmers across districts are expressing their desire to cultivate Agar, seeing its profitability and potential,” Nath said.
He further stressed that the current government has taken a proactive role in promoting Agar, unlike the previous administration. “The earlier government did nothing for the cultivation and promotion of Agar. In 2021, we formulated the Tripura Agar Wood Policy to systematically develop this sector. Tripura Agar is world famous, and now we are taking it to the next stage by seeking a GI tag,” he added.
GI Tag Proposal
A GI tag, once granted, would give Tripura Agar legal protection against imitation and enhance its brand identity in international markets. It would also provide farmers with better market opportunities and pricing advantages. According to Nath, the state government has already submitted a formal proposal for securing the GI status.
Highlighting the growing scale of the trade, the Minister informed that Agar chips and oil worth nearly Rs 25 crore were sold last year. With a GI tag and structured cultivation, this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Big Players Show Interest
Tripura’s Agar industry has also caught the attention of large companies. Nath said major brands like Godrej and Patanjali have entered discussions and operations in the state, exploring possibilities to invest and collaborate with local cultivators. This corporate involvement, coupled with government support, is expected to open new opportunities for farmers and create value chains in processing, packaging, and exports.
Farmers’ Empowerment and Free Sapling Distribution
The Minister stressed that the government’s immediate plan involves setting up nurseries for Agar cultivation under agroforestry. By integrating Agar with other crops and forest resources, the state aims to ensure both ecological sustainability and income diversification for farmers.
“Through this model, saplings will be distributed free of cost to farmers. This will reduce their initial investment burden and encourage wider participation in cultivation. The Chief Minister is also very keen on this initiative, as it will bring long-term benefits for farmers and boost state revenue,” Nath explained.
Farmers in multiple districts, inspired by the success stories of Kadamtala, have already shown interest in adopting Agar cultivation. With the government’s push, the sector is likely to see widespread expansion.
Future Prospects
Experts believe that with proper branding, a GI tag, and corporate investment, Tripura’s Agar could become a global export leader, rivaling countries like Laos and Vietnam. The initiative not only promises to strengthen the rural economy but also create sustainable revenue streams for the state through GST and exports.
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As Tripura takes decisive steps, Agar cultivation is poised to become one of the state’s flagship industries, blending tradition, economic growth, and international recognition.
