Agartala, Oct 23: A special Japanese delegation visited Kadamtala to inspect Tripura’s renowned agar-wood industry.
Officials from the Indian and Tripura Forest Departments, accompanied the delegation during their visit, arranged by the All Tripura Agar Association.
The delegation began by inspecting an agarwood shop at Dharmanagar Railway Station, then toured an agarwood plantation in Kadamtala, where they planted five agar saplings. They also visited industries in North Fulbari, known for agar-wood chips, wood and oil production.
Key members of the delegation included Mr. Kei Otsuki from the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Fujiwara Hidenobu from JICA India and several high-ranking Indian Forest Service officers.
They praised Tripura’s agarwood production, noting its significant role in India’s exports and expressing optimism about future global markets with continued government support.
The delegation expressed their satisfaction after visiting the Mamun Agar Industry, stating that agarwood has not only brought Tripura into the global spotlight but has also made a significant impact across India. Kadamtala Block in North Tripura has become the state’s leading producer of agar trees.
Anfar Ali, Secretary of the All Tripura Agar Association, mentioned that both the state and central governments have been providing immense support.
He further stated that several international delegations have visited before, but this time, the Japanese delegation came to witness firsthand the scale of agarwood production and the various products and medicines derived from it.
With nearly Rs 400 crore being allocated for agarwood development, significant exports are already being made to Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh and the Middle East.
The team is optimistic that with the continued support of the governments, agar-wood exports will become even easier in the future.
