TRIPURA PLANS TO PROMOTE COMMERCIAL CULTIVATION OF AGAR

THE CONTEXT: The Tripura government has taken initiatives to promote commercial cultivation of Agar trees.

Analysis

• It has set a target to achieve Rs 2,000 crore business from the sector in the next three years.
• The state has plans to export 75,000 kg of Agar chips and 1,500 kg of Agar oil in 2021-22 fiscal
• At present, over 50 lakh Agar trees are available in the state.
• The government has launched a draft ”Tripura Agar Wood Policy 2021”, and set a target of doubling the plantation by 2025.

ABOUT AGAR TREE

• The agar wood tree is native to Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and parts of Southeast Asia
• Agar (Aquilaria malaccensis) is an evergreen tree that grows in Tripura in abundance.
• This species has a huge potential of creating another economic revolution in Tripura after rubber, bamboo and other major forestry crops.
• Low input cost for management and growth and intercropping adaptation could make agar a preferred cash crop.
• Agar wood has been widely used as therapeutic perfumes, traditional medicine, religious purposes and aromatic food ingredient