Agartala, Tripura — In a bid to enhance rubber production and support local families, the Tripura government has announced the extension of the ‘Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission’ for an additional five years, as confirmed by official sources.
Tripura currently holds the position of the second-largest rubber producer in India. The initiative, which was originally launched in the 2021-22 fiscal year, is set to continue until 2025, with plans to involve 56,400 families in the program. During the first four years, the government successfully carried out a plantation drive across 46,086 hectares of land.
The Automated Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has played a pivotal role in the initiative by supplying saplings to the beneficiaries at no cost. The Tripura Welfare Department has also provided significant support, including fencing and fertilizer assistance, to ensure the success of the rubber plantations.
Subhasish Das, the Director of Tribal Welfare, emphasized the popularity of the mission among tribal communities living in hilly regions. He noted that the Rubber Board has facilitated a quality supply of plants and offered comprehensive training in pre-plantation and post-plantation techniques across various districts.
Looking ahead, Das mentioned plans to bring an additional 60,000 hectares of land under rubber plantation, aiming to benefit 60,000 more families once the initial phase concludes. He highlighted that even individuals who have surrendered from militant groups are showing interest in rubber cultivation, viewing it as a viable livelihood option.
To support this initiative, the government is also expediting the construction of integrated rubber processing centers of varying sizes. These centers will aid in producing high-grade rubber latex and will be complemented by skill development programs designed to improve the quality of latex collection.
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