Agartala: The State Government, along with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and Forest Department, is planning to establish Agar nurseries by bringing it under agroforestry and to distribute saplings among people free of cost.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath informed this after a delegation from the All Tripura Agar Wood Association met him today.
The Minister said that state’s Agar has high demand both within the state and outside. The state government is trying to include Agar under agroforestry, which will also help generate GST revenue.
He mentioned that due to Agar cultivation in Kadamtala under North District last year, the state witnessed significant GST revenue, which benefitted the government.
“Now farmers are also expressing their desire to cultivate Agar. In the Cabinet, I will also discuss how we can intensify Agar cultivation. The previous government did nothing for the cultivation and promotion of Agar. In 2021, our government formulated the Tripura Agar Wood Policy. Tripura Agar is world famous,” said the Minister.
The Minister further informed that the state government has also sent a proposal for a GI tag for Tripura Agar.
He said that last year Agar chips and oil worth Rs 25 crore were sold.
“Like Kadamtala, farmers from other districts are also showing interest in cultivating Agar. Many big companies like Godrej and Patanjali have come here to work with Agar. The state government, along with the forest and agriculture departments, is considering adding Agar to agroforestry and setting up Agar nurseries to distribute saplings free of cost. The Chief Minister is also keen on this initiative,” the Minister added.
