Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Monday told the assembly house that he would ask the expert to examine whether legalization of cannabis cultivation is viable for the state or not.
Deb while clarifying a question moved by BJP MLA Diba Chandra Hrangkhwal that dealt with the serious livelihood crisis that emerged in the rural economy after the state government launched ‘anti-ganja’ drive since the inception of the BJP-IPFT government in Tripura.
According to the Chief Minister, the state government had taken numerous steps to ensure that the rural economy of the state did not get affected.
“Through cannabis cultivation little does the farmers used to get. The lion’s share of the profit went to the pockets of middlemen. If the farmers used to get Rs 1,000, the middlemen earned Rs 40 to 50 thousand. After the formation of the new government, we tried to put a stop on the exploitation of the rural labor force through cannabis lords and instead chalked out formalized ways like dragon fruit, pineapple and Agar. We are trying to bridge market linkages so that the farmers get the deserving honor and they can live with dignity”, said Deb.
Deb also added that the whole nexus of ganja smuggling was entirely illegal and a responsible government could not let such a heinous business grow in the state.
Reacting to the answer of the Chief Minister, Hrangkhwal replied that a large population of pineapple cultivators come from his constituency and with time the cultivators were losing interest over this crop because of dearth in the industry. Moreover, he said, dragon fruit is an expensive crop and it requires huge investment. The MLA requested the government to ponder over legalization of Ganja along with the initiatives taken up by the state government.
The Chief Minister clarifying his concerns informed the house that already a Maharashtra based company had set up a unit and they were eager to set up several units of production in the state. He had also said that the state government would help the farmers under MGNREGA works for the first investment that was required for Dragon fruit plantation. “Since the issue of legalizing the Ganja has emerged, I will surely talk to the experts as to how it can be done”, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister also informed the house that very soon an Agar Board would be set up and the government of India was exploring ways to legalize trade of Agar trees. “Once the government gives all the clearances, we shall start direct export of Agar to Dubai”, said the Chief Minister.
