IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Agar

19th July, 2021 Agriculture

Context

  • 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.

 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/agriculture/tripura-initiates-steps-to-promote-commercial-cultivation-of-agar/articleshow/84516500.cms