Tripura has initiated steps to promote commercial cultivation of Agar.
About
Agar-agar, is a jelly-like substance obtained from red algae.
It forms the supporting structure in the cell walls of certain species of algae and is released on boiling.
These algae are known as agarophytes, belonging to the Rhodophyta (red algae) phylum.
Agar has been used as an ingredient in desserts throughout Asia and also as a solid substrate to contain culture media for microbiological work.
Agar can be used as a laxative, an appetite suppressant, a vegetarian substitute for gelatin, a thickener for soups, in fruit preserves, ice cream, and other desserts, as a clarifying agent in brewing, and for sizing paper and fabrics.