The World Bank has shown interest in the Tripura government’s initiative to give a serious boost to the Agar industry in the state.
The Tripura government was mulling the idea of strengthening Agar industry in the state , especially in the North Tripura district by bringing the hitherto unorganized agar farmers in an organized structure. It was estimated that if proper infrastructure was created and the Agar plantations were done in a scientific way it would add about Rs 2000 crore economy in the state.
As the proposal appeared ambitious, a team of the World Bank arrived at Tripura to have a on spot study of the proposed ‘Element project’. They visited the Agar plantations in North Tripura District- especially in Kadamtala where most of the Agar trees were traditionally raised.
The World Bank delegation also visited state’s largest Agar industry at Phulbari in North Tripura on Friday.
It was on the visiting team’s report that the World Bank would decide about the loan to the state government in this sector under the Element Project.
While interacting with the World Bank officials the local farmers and traders of the Agar informed them about their difficulties like absence of proper testing laboratory, and problems that they faced for marketing and exporting their products. The World Bank delegations on spot studied the way the farmers here extract the Agar oil -almost in a crude ways.
Agar traders highlighted several issues – there is no testing lab etc – hampering the export of
Additional PCCF Praveen Agarwal who accompanied the World Bank officials assured that their issues would be sorted out. The World Bank officials appeared satisfied at the propect of the sector in the state.
