Rubber- plantation in Tripura

India ranked third in terms of production of natural rubber in the world after Thailand and Indonesia. Kerala is the largest producer of natural rubber and Tripura is the second largest producer of natural

rubber in the country, which is of superior quality. In Tripura, rubber plants (heave brasiliensis) were introduced on trial basis by forest department, government of Tripura in 1963. Rubber, traditionally, is a tropical crop and it grows in Tripura successfully.

In 2002-2003, about 17,701hec. Was under natural rubber plantation in the state. Total rubber production in the state was 17,849 mt.and total value of rubber production was rs.69.42 crore in 2002-2003.

The study conducted by the national bureau of soil survey and land use planning, as a part of exploratory study for the world bank assistance revealed that approximately 1 lakh hec. Of land is suitable for rubber cultivation in the state. This offers tremendous scope for expansion of cultivation. Apex bodies of industries and commerce like CII etc. Have also realized the importance and the potential of rubber cultivation in the state. It is also proposed to engage an external agency to study the feasibility to extend rubber-cultivation in an area not exceeding 10% of the total geographical area of the state.

The raw rubber now produced is being sent out of the state to neighbouring states for further value addition. Necessary follow-up actions are also being made to utilize the raw-rubber that would be produced in the state during the years to come within the state and convert to value added finished products, which may result in industrial revolution.