The Executive Director of the Rubber Board M. Vasanthagesan IRS on Tuesday said that the North eastern states of Tripura and Asam have immense potential to lead rubber cultivation and industrialization in the region. Natural rubber’s contribution to the economy is undeniable, and the northeast must harness this opportunity,” he remarked.
He made this statement while attending the Growers’ Meet organized by the Rubber Board in Agartala.
Emphasizing the event’s primary objective, M Vasanthagesan said, “This meet serves as a platform to understand the challenges faced by producers, exchange views, and inform them about new government initiatives to boost production. For instance, the introduction of rain guarding techniques will extend tapping periods by 30-40 days annually.”
He said that natural rubber cultivation is gaining momentum in Assam and Nagaland, alongside Tripura. “The Boro variety of rubber holds promising industrial prospects,” he said, adding that Rubber Board is making utmost effort to expand cultivation and improve quality, with a significant budget increase from Rs 269 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 360 crore in 2025-26.
Meanwhile, the secretary of Tripura Small and Medium Scale Industry department Kiran Gitte joined the meet and highlighted the importance of adopting modern technology to enhance rubber production in Tripura.
“Rubber cultivation plays a pivotal role in uplifting the social and economic conditions of our state. The Industries and Commerce Department, Rubber Board, and banks are fully committed to providing the necessary support for integrating new technologies,” he said.
Highlighting the economic significance, Gitte noted that the state’s rubber market is currently valued at an impressive Rs 15,000 crore. He also announced the establishment of a new rubber park in Santirbazar, Southern district in addition to the existing facility in Bodhjungnagar as declared by the Chief Minister.
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