Agar is going to give a serious booster to the Tripura’s economy in near future as the state government has embarked upon a comprehensive and holistic plan for its growth and marketing- national as well as global levels.
The central government has also extended its support by already approving export of 25 MT Agarwood chips and 1500 kg Agar oil.
“We are exploring all possibilities concerning Agar. Our plan is to given an imptetus to the state’s economy by tapping the potential of the Agar sector”, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha while inaugurating the three-day 2nd Tripura Agar Buyer-Seller Meet organized by Tripura Forest department and JICA SCATFORM in Polo Hotel in Agartala.
Importantly, the meet is attended by representatives from various concerned organizations from , Philippines, Dubai and other countries attended meet.
Tripura has always been known for Agar production and it is believed that the name ‘Agartala’ of the capital was derived from Agar which was once produced here aplenty. But over the ages now Agartala does not have Agar trees while the plantation of the high value tree is now largely concentrated in North Tripura’s Kadamtala areas.
“The state government is alive with the huge business potential of the Agar and the boost it may give to the economy of the state. Not only we have taken the ‘Tripura Agarwood Policy-2021’, we are encouraging commercial Agar cultivation in the state ,” he said.
Dr Saha pointed out that during the previous governments the Agar sector was ignored and there was no proper policy to promote this sector.
In the inaugural session, the Chief Minister also launched Agar perfume developed in collaboration with FFDC Kannauj.
Tinku Roy, chairman of Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC)- said a plan is afoot to set up an Agar market at Kadamtala in North Tripura. He stressed on taking modern policy for marketing of Agar and maintaining quality of the products.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, former secretary of Union Tourism Ministry- Reshmi Verma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF)- K.S. Shethi and others including officials of JICA were present in the programme.
