Agartala, Jan 7 : Tripura and Assam are set to emerge as key players in the rubber sector in Northeast India, with a focus on industrial growth and technological advancements, said M. Vasathageshan Executive Director of the Rubber Board, during a Rubber Growers’ Meet held at Pragnya Bhavan in Agartala on Tuesday.
Addressing rubber growers from across the state, Vasathageshan emphasized the need to maximize tapping days using scientific technologies and training programs, even during the rainy season, to boost productivity and income.
He noted that increasing tapping days by 30 to 40 annually could significantly enhance rubber yield and profitability.
The Rubber Board has introduced financial schemes to improve the socio-economic conditions of growers, offering ₹4,000 per hectare for the installation of rain-guarding technology and 90% funding support for setting up group processing centres under Rubber Producer Societies.
Highlighting the government’s growing focus on the rubber sector, Vasathageshan noted that budget allocations have been steadily increasing, with ₹269 crore allocated in 2023-24, ₹348 crore in 2024-25, and a further rise to ₹360 crore proposed for 2025-26. This marks an almost 20% increase, prioritizing plantation expansion, production quality, labor welfare, and digitization initiatives.
He also revealed ongoing collaborations between the Rubber Board and tyre industries to enhance production efficiency and sustainability.
The Rubber Board’s Executive Director urged farmers to maximize tapping days amid declining global production and potential domestic shortages that may force imports and lower prices. It also announced efforts to revolutionize rubber supply chains through technology-driven solutions and socio-economic development programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of growers.
The Growers’ Meet also served as a platform for collecting feedback from farmers to address challenges and hardships and formulate targeted schemes for sectoral growth.
Vasathageshan assured farmers of the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant rubber sector through research, innovation, and financial support, making Tripura and Assam the rubber hubs of Northeast India.
Kiran Gitte, secretary, Tribal Welfare department of Tripura also addressed the gathering on the day.
