Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches Rs 80-Crore Agarwood Value Chain Project in Tripura
In a significant move to bolster economic development in the Northeast, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, laid the foundation stone for an ambitious Rs 80-crore agarwood value chain development project on Saturday. The ceremony took place at Fulkabari in North Tripura, marking a key initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed Northeast region.
Strengthening the Agarwood Sector in Tripura and Assam
During his visit, Scindia emphasized that this project is part of several development initiatives he has brought to the region, aligning with the government's focus on enhancing local industries. He highlighted that India's agarwood production capacity is primarily concentrated in Tripura and Assam, and this project aims to strengthen both states' pivotal role in the sector.
The minister outlined that the project will fortify the entire agarwood value chain, from the cultivation of trees in farmers' fields to the final product reaching international markets as premium perfume. This comprehensive approach is designed to maximize benefits for local stakeholders and boost export potential.
Establishment of Central Processing Centres
To facilitate efficient processing and value addition, Scindia announced that two Central Processing Centres will be established under the scheme. One centre will be located in Golaghat, Assam, and the other in the North Tripura region where the foundation stone was laid.
These centres are expected to play a crucial role in processing, branding, and eliminating middlemen from the supply chain, ensuring that farmers receive the full value of their produce. By streamlining operations, the initiative aims to enhance profitability and sustainability for agarwood cultivators.
Boosting Regional Economy and Farmer Welfare
The agarwood value chain development project is poised to create numerous economic opportunities in the Northeast. By focusing on value addition and direct market access, it seeks to:
- Increase income for farmers engaged in agarwood cultivation.
- Promote local employment through processing and branding activities.
- Enhance the global competitiveness of Indian agarwood products.
Scindia's visit and this project underscore the government's commitment to transforming the Northeast into a hub of agro-based industries, leveraging its natural resources for sustainable growth.
