Agartala, July 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured of extending every possible support to Tripura for strengthening the Agar sector in the state.

The assurance came during Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's meeting with the Prime Minister in Delhi on Friday.

According to a government press release, In his discussion with the Prime Minister, Deb highlighted the potentials of Agar sector in Tripura. He also apprised the Prime Minister that the state was expecting a Rs. 2000-crore business from this sector in three years.

The Chief Minister, according to the press release, requested the Prime Minister for fixing the quota for export of Agarwood and Agar products under CITES rules.

The state of Tripura is having abundance of Agar trees and at present over 50 lakh trees are available in the state. In order to exploit the potential of Agar for state economy, the state government has launched 'Tripura Agar Wood Policy 2021', wherein by 2025 area under Agarwood plantation is proposed to be doubled. 

This plan also includes setting up of testing laboratory, trade centre and introductions of technology for artificial inoculation.

Deb also requested for enhancing the quota suitably so that the aspirations of Tripura can be met as the state expects the quota of 75000 kg of Agar chips and 1500 kg of Agar oil for export for financial year 2021-22, the release said.

The Prime Minister gave an assurance to the Chief Minister that the Centre would extend every possible help to Tripura for this purpose.