Summary: A Japanese delegation visited Tripura to assess the agarwood industry. They were impressed by the state’s agar production and expressed optimism about the future of the agar export market.
A high-level Japanese delegation visited the North Tripura District on Wednesday to inspect the agarwood plantations and processing units.
The delegation, representing key diplomatic and development bodies of Japan, was accompanied by officials from the Indian government and the Tripura Forest Department.
The visit was organized by the All Tripura Agar Association, showcasing the potential of this precious commodity in both local and international markets.
The Japanese team, led by Kei Otsuki, Second Secretary of the Economic Wing at the Embassy of Japan in India, and Fujiwara Hidenobu, a representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India, began their day at Dharmanagar railway station, where they inspected local agarwood shops.
The delegation then traveled to Kadamtala, a major hub for agarwood cultivation, where they visited an agar plantation and took part in a ceremonial planting of five agar saplings, symbolizing the deepening relationship between Japan and India in the sector.
Following their plantation tour, the delegation visited Mamon Wood, Chips, and Agar Oil Industry in Uttar Fulbari, one of the region’s largest processing units.
They were accompanied by several prominent Indian officials, including Pravin Agrawal, CEO & PD of the Tripura JICA Project, Gautam Das, Director of the Agarwood Farming Association (AFA), and other senior officials from the Tripura Forest Department, such as Director SFM Paushali Roy and District Forest Officer Suman Mall.
Local leadership, represented by Kadamtala Panchayat Samiti Chairman Mihir Ranjan Nath and key figures from the All Tripura Agar Association, including its president Shailen Nath and Secretary Anfar Ali, also joined the delegation.
The Japanese officials expressed their admiration for Tripura’s agarwood industry, praising the state’s high-quality production that has made India one of the leading exporters of agarwood products globally.
Kei Otsuki remarked, “The contribution of Tripura to India’s agarwood industry is remarkable. The high-quality agarwood and the sustainable practices employed here are examples of how local industries can thrive globally.”
For the unversed, Kadamtala, located in the North District of Tripura, is the largest producer of agarwood in the state. The region has become a focal point for global interest in agarwood, a fragrant wood highly prized for its use in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.
Anfar Ali, Secretary of the All Tripura Agar Association, emphasized the importance of the visit, noting that the region has received strong support from both the state and central governments.
“In recent years, delegations from various countries have visited Tripura to witness firsthand our progress in the agarwood industry. The visit by this Japanese delegation is a testament to the growing international interest in our agarwood,” said Ali.
He added, “The state government, in collaboration with the central government, has allocated over Rs 400 crore for the development of the agarwood industry. Currently, we export products to major cities like Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, as well as to international markets in the Middle East.”
Ali expressed optimism that the cooperation between the Indian and Tripura governments will further facilitate global exports, making it easier for Tripura’s agarwood to reach new international markets.
“With the ongoing support from JICA and other international agencies, we are hopeful that our industry will soon find its place in major global markets.”
According to the local traders, the partnership between Tripura and international stakeholders, including Japan, is expected to enhance the region’s capability to meet global demand for agarwood products and ensure sustainable growth for local communities involved in the industry.
