Tripura Govt moves to secure GI Tag for Agar
Agartala, Sept 10: The Tripura Government, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and the Forest Department, has initiated steps to promote Agar cultivation by establishing dedicated nurseries and supplying saplings to farmers at no cost.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath shared the information with the media after holding discussions with a delegation from the AlIn collaboration with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and the Forest Department, the Tripura Government l Tripura Agar Wood Association on Wednesday.
Highlighting the growing market for Tripura’s Agar, both within the state and beyond, Nath said the administration is working to bring Agar under agroforestry practices, which would further strengthen revenue generation through GST.
He recalled that Agar farming in Kadamtala, North Tripura, yielded notable GST earnings for the government last year. Encouraged by this, farmers across the state are now keen to adopt Agar cultivation.
“In the coming Cabinet meetings, I will propose measures to expand Agar production. The previous government did not take any meaningful steps in this regard, but in 2021 our government framed the Tripura Agar Wood Policy. Tripura Agar is renowned worldwide,” Nath said.
The Minister also confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Tripura Agar, which is expected to boost its market value and recognition.
According to him, Agar chips and oil worth around ₹25 crore were sold last year, reflecting the rising commercial potential of the sector.
“Farmers from other districts are following the example of Kadamtala and showing strong interest in Agar cultivation. Leading companies such as Godrej and Patanjali have already stepped in to explore business opportunities here. With the support of the agriculture and forest departments, the government is considering setting up Agar nurseries and distributing saplings free of cost. The Chief Minister is also actively supporting this initiative,” Nath added.
