Agarbati: Will it smell sweet for Mizoram's economy?
The state government had implemented the scheme since last year and is now upbeat about it. It recently signed an agreement with the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited better known as the ITC Ltd for mass production of ‘agarbatis’. “The state is rich in bamboo and this venture will supplement the income of the farmers and the state economy,” says a government source.
On being asked about the response of the people to the project, the official said that this ‘venture is purely business and has nothing to do with religion’. “I think the people of Mizoram are ready to take up this trade,” he added.
In a country where Hindus are majority, incensed stick is used by the community to purify the bad air. It is also believed that the “holy smoke” prevents unwanted bad energy and bad spirit from entering peoples home.
However, some radical Mizo Christians have different views on taking up this “setanic deal”. “I am not going to accept such business strategy. It’s a setanic deal to make big money by politicians,” Lalthlengliana (name changed on request), a pastor in the state capital.
Meanwhile, Chennai-based SBY Agarbati Business has already ordered 10 tonnes of agarbati sticks from Mizoram’s Bamboo Development Agency. The government is of the view that this business venture will create employment opportunities in the state. “This is another step towards development,” says an official statement.