Agarwood and Ambition: How Anfar Ali is Changing Lives in North Tripura
#Paritosh Pal
Mohammad Anfar Ali of North Tripura District stands as a beacon of entrepreneurship. A pioneer in the agarwood industry, his vision has not only transformed his life but also the lives of many in the region.
His story is a testament to how passion, hard work, and a deep connection with nature can fuel economic growth and empower communities.
Anfar Ali’s journey into the agarwood business began two decades ago when he planted his first agarwood trees on his six kani (about two hectares) of land in the Kadamtala block, North Tripura.
The region, known for its rich soil, is ideal for cultivating agarwood, a prized tree renowned for its fragrant resin used in incense, perfume, and oil.
Over time, his small venture grew into a successful enterprise, with his very own processing factory, Maman Enterprise, established at his home. This factory specializes in producing high-quality agarwood chips and oil, which are exported to various parts of India and beyond.
What makes Anfar Ali’s work stand out is not just his business acumen but his commitment to his community. His factory employs around 40 families, providing them with steady work and financial support.
The production runs from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm daily, ensuring that the community remains actively involved in the industry. His plantation now boasts over 10,000 agarwood trees, and he also sources trees from neighboring areas to expand his reach.
Anfar Ali’s dedication to the agarwood trade has earned him recognition beyond his local community. He serves as the secretary of the Tripura Agar Association, working to boost the state’s agarwood industry on a national and international scale.
His participation in international conferences, like those in Delhi, has allowed him to share his expertise and advocate for the potential of agarwood as a high-value export commodity.
His ultimate goal is to elevate Tripura’s agarwood industry to global prominence. He believes that with direct export routes for agarwood chips and oil, Tripura can strengthen its economy, generate significant government revenue, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
For Anfar Ali, the agarwood business is about more than just profit; it’s about creating a lasting legacy for the state and its people.
Anfar Ali is also deeply committed to involving the younger generation in the industry. He believes that agarwood cultivation offers tremendous opportunities for youth to secure their future.
Moreover, he envisions the industry playing a crucial role in improving the socio-economic conditions of Tripura’s tribal communities, who often struggle with unemployment and poverty.
With proper training and support, he sees these communities becoming self-reliant, contributing to the state’s overall progress.
His family plays a pivotal role in his success. Living in a joint family with his two brothers, they share the responsibilities of the business. The income from the agarwood industry supports their household, the education of their children, and their collective growth.
For Anfar Ali, the business isn’t just about his personal success but about ensuring a better future for his family and the people around him.
As Tripura’s agarwood industry grows, so does the potential for local farmers, traders, and the entire state. With government support and the efforts of dedicated entrepreneurs like Anfar Ali, Tripura is poised to become a leader in the agarwood trade.
#Paritosh Pal may be contacted at [email protected]
(Tripura, Northeast)
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