Agartala, December 30, 2025: A large-scale agar plantation covering five hectares is taking shape at Abhiram Para under the Ambassa Range, supported by the Forest Department through the CAMPA project. The initiative is expected to boost economic self-reliance for 32 tribal families associated with the Naikaham Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC).

Officials said the plantation site, located along the Assam–Agartala National Highway, is being jointly managed by the Forest Department and the JFMC. As agar is a high-value commercial species, the state government has been promoting its cultivation to enhance livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities.

Forest Department staff member Haradhan Pal informed that approximately 6,000 agar saplings have been planted so far. He added that once the trees mature and begin yielding, JFMC members will be able to generate a stable income from the project.

JFMC President noted that the plantation is progressing with full cooperation from the Forest Department and that the initiative will directly benefit 32 families. He further said the project is also creating interim employment for local residents during the development phase.