Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has expressed her satisfaction at the state government’s efforts to boost the state’s economy with and founf Agar related trades and industries would be game changer in the state. Sitharaman who inspected an Agar plantation at Hatipara Forest Complex Gandhigram was accompanied by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and officials concerned.
During the visit, Tripura Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Dr. D.K. Sharma reported to have briefed the Union Minister about the potentials of the Agar sector in Tripura.
A tweet from the office of the Union Minister said the Tripura Government is reviving once very popular Agar plantation through ‘Ghar Ghar Agar, Har Ghar Agar’ campaign.
“Smt @nsitharaman visits Agar Plantation at Hatipara Forest Complex in Agartala. She is accompanied by hon’ble Tripura CM @BjpBiplab. Through ‘Ghar Ghar Agar, Har Ghar Agar’ campaign, the state government is reviving once very popular Agar Plantation,” the tweet said.
A separate tweet from the official handle of the Sitharaman’s office said, “Tripura capital Agartala derives its name from the Agar trees. Agarwood, famous for its fragrance and incense-based products and byproducts, has a current global market estimated to be in range of USD 6-8 million.”
Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in a tweet said the Union Finance Minister was impressed by the efforts taken by the state government to improve the agrarian economy.
“Visited the Agar Plantation at Hathipara Forest complex with hon’ble FM @nsitharaman Ji The union minister was impressed by the efforts taken by the state government to improve the agrarian economy. There, I gifted her, agarwood and bamboo products made by indigenous communities,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
Meanwhile, as per available information, over 50 lakh Agar trees are available in Tripura at present and the government is expecting a Rs. 2000-crore business in the Agar sector in the next two years.
In order to utilize the potentials of Agar for state economy, the state government has recently launched ‘Tripura Agar Wood Policy 2021′, wherein by 2025 area under Agarwood plantation is proposed to be doubled. This also includes setting up of testing laboratory, trade centre and introductions of technology for artificial inoculation.
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