Agartala: Union minister for development of north eastern region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M Scindia is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the Agar Cluster Processing Centre at Baragole in North Tripura district on Jan 24.Officials said the project, estimated at Rs 27.42 crore, marks the first national-level initiative under the PM-DevINE scheme to be launched in Kadamtala along the Tripura-Assam border. It is designed to benefit over 7,000 women and young entrepreneurs.The Agar Cluster Processing Centre is expected to generate employment opportunities for local farmers, youth, and self-help groups, while modernising and organising the agarwood industry to boost economic growth.The initiative will include facilities for plantations, nursery development, distillation, and skill training to strengthen Tripura’s agarwood sector. Northeast India accounts for nearly 96% of the country’s agar trees, with Tripura being the second-largest producer, home to around 1.5 crore agar trees.CM Manik Saha said the project would significantly enhance rural and forest-based economies, while highlighting Tripura’s cultural and historical ties to agarwood. Agartala itself derives its name from the region’s former abundance of agar trees.The importance of agarwood in Tripura’s history is reflected in the royal family’s decision to name the capital after it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also shown keen interest in agar cultivation in the state during his interactions.Meanwhile, an agarwood market in Kadamtala is nearing completion to facilitate direct trade between buyers and sellers.The North Eastern Council has sanctioned Rs 15 crore for an International Agar Trade and Research Centre. To streamline exports, the state govt is working with the Centre to develop a single-window online platform for exporters.
