In a significant move to bolster its rubber industry, the Tripura government has initiated the construction of 28 modern smoke houses aimed at producing high-quality rubber sheets. This initiative, funded under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, has received a financial sanction of ₹37.50 crore from the central government.
Enhancing Rubber Quality
The smoke houses are designed to improve the quality of rubber sheets, which will fetch higher market value and provide better earnings for local rubber growers. According to Subhasish Das, Director of Tripura’s Tribal Welfare Department, the project is expected to be completed within six months. Once operational, these facilities will play a pivotal role in value addition, addressing the current scenario where less than 4% of the state’s natural rubber undergoes value enhancement.
Tripura’s Rubber Industry
Tripura is the second-largest producer of natural rubber in India, with 1,10,648 hectares of plantations yielding 1,10,717 metric tonnes annually. However, a significant portion of the rubber produced—around 96%—is sent outside the state without value addition. The new smoke houses aim to reverse this trend by enabling local processing and improving the overall market competitiveness of Tripura’s rubber products.
Economic Impact
The construction of these smoke houses is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its rubber growers. By enhancing the quality of rubber sheets, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of promoting sustainable and efficient production practices in the region.
This ambitious project underscores Tripura’s commitment to strengthening its rubber industry and supporting local growers through innovative and impactful measures.
