Agartala, July 5: In a significant move to highlight the challenges faced by rubber cultivators in Tripura, the All India Krishak Sabha (AIKS)-affiliated rubber producers’ associations convened a state-level conference recently, representing over 1.8 lakh farmers. The conference culminated in the submission of a 10-point charter of demands to the Rubber Board on July 4, urging immediate policy interventions to safeguard the interests of small and medium-scale rubber farmers.
The deputation, submitted to the Joint Commissioner of the Rubber Board, called for key reforms including the free distribution of rubber saplings for new plantations, a maintenance subsidy of ₹50,000 per hectare, procurement of rubber at official board-listed rates, and the reintroduction of rubber garden insurance. The list also demanded subsidised fertiliser supply, free certification for rubber plantations, revival of closed Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS), training for new tappers, and comprehensive support to improve rubber sheet quality.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, AIKS State Secretary Pabitra Kar criticised the current state administration for failing to address the concerns of rubber growers. He contrasted the present scenario with past efforts by the Left Front government, which he said had distributed publicly funded rubber plantations to farmers, especially from tribal communities, thereby improving livelihoods.
“Today, these communities are struggling. Without proper support, rubber farming may no longer be sustainable,” Kar warned. He stressed that unless rubber is sold at a minimum of ₹300 per kg, cultivators will continue to incur losses.
New leadership was also announced during the conference, with Shailendra Chandra Nath elected as president and Pranab Debroy as secretary. Both leaders reaffirmed the association’s commitment to securing fair compensation, stability, and dignity for rubber growers across the state.
