Agar tree thefts hurt economy of rural Tripura

A Correspondent

Agartala: The thriving Agar-based economy of a vast area of Kadamtala Block in North Tripura district bordering Assam is facing a serious threat due to increasing incidents of theft cases. All most every night, one or two cases of theft of Agar trees worth lakhs of rupees are being reported. The local people allege that despite repeated complaints, the police is not taking any action to prevent such incidents.

Agar grows naturally in this area but only recently did the local people became conscious that the natures gift has a high demand in the perfume industry across the globe and the Agar trees can fetch huge economic gain for them.

In recent years, lots of Agar gardens has been come up in villages like Sarspur, Premtali, Baghna, Bargol, Aam Tilla, Kurty, Pyaricherra and Ranibari. Owners of the gardens are reaping huge profits from these gardens and has also become a source of employment.

According to reports, some businessman based in Cachar district of Assam are running these rackets in collaboration with some local people.

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