Agartala, Nov 23, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Nov 23: The Tripura government is working to strengthen the state’s economy by tapping the potentials in Agar sector, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister, who inaugurated three-day 2nd Tripura Agar Buyer-Seller Meet organized by Tripura Forest department and JICA SCATFORM at a private hotel in Agartala, said Tripura produces good-quality Agar. A good number of delegates from across the country, Philippines, Dubai and other countries joined the Buyer-Seller Meet.

He said, many people believe that the name of Agartala, capital of the state, was derived from Agar as there were abandoned Agar trees. 

“Tripura's Agar sector has huge business potential and the state government has already taken steps to encourage commercial Agar cultivation,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, the Agar sector was neglected in the state earlier since there was no proper policy to promote this sector. The present state government, he said, multiple initiatives including launch of 'Tripura Agarwood Policy-2021' for promotion of Agar and its products.

He said, the central government already approved export of 25 MT Agarwood chips and 1500 kg Agar oil. In the inaugural session, the Chief Minister also launched Agar perfume developed in collaboration with FFDC Kannauj.

Chairman of Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC)- Tinku Roy said, a plan is in the pipeline to set up an Agar market at Kadamtala in North Tripura district. 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. The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries visited the Agarwood stalls.