Despite being the second-largest producer of natural rubber in India, Tripura continues to face challenges in establishing a robust rubber-based manufacturing industry due to logistical issues, according to officials on November 2.
Saji N, the Joint Rubber Production Commissioner at the Rubber Board in Agartala, highlighted that a major obstacle in setting up rubber-based manufacturing units in Tripura is the reliance on sourcing around 70% of non-rubber components required for tyre or tube production from outside the state. This logistical challenge has hindered the growth of the industry locally.
Currently, Tripura is home to only one tyre production unit, located in the Bodhjungnagar Industrial area in the West Tripura district. Despite producing approximately 1,16,052 MT of natural rubber annually, most of the output is used outside the state due to limited local demand. This low consumption by manufacturing units has made it difficult to attract new industries to set up shop in Tripura.
However, the cultivation of rubber and the sale of rubber sheets have significantly improved the rural economy in the state. Farmers are earning consistent income through rubber production, with some even receiving advance payments for their produce.
To further promote the rubber industry, the Rubber Board, in partnership with the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), has initiated new plantation projects under the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission. The goal is to expand cultivation over 30,000 hectares across the Northeast region within the next five years.
Pranab Bala, the Secretary of the Tripura Rubber Upadak Samity (TRUSS), emphasized the need for value addition in rubber-based industries, particularly in sectors like footwear, mould manufacturing, and mat production. He highlighted the importance of focusing on enhancing the value of rubber products to attract more investment.
In order to support the industry, the Rubber Board of India (RBI) plans to provide mobile roller and smokehouse facilities to improve the quality of rubber sheets produced in Tripura.
Officials reiterated that without addressing the logistical challenges and establishing reliable local supply chains, Tripura’s potential as a major rubber-based industrial hub will remain untapped. Efforts are needed to enhance infrastructure and promote value addition in the rubber industry to attract more investments and boost the state’s economy.
