The Tribal Welfare Department has allocated Rs 27.50 crore through the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme aimed at developing rubber processing infrastructure in Tripura’s tribal areas during the 2025-26 financial year. The funding will be used in phases for establishing local rubber sheet production units under the Rubber Processing Scheme (RPS), which includes constructing smoke houses, installing roller machines, and providing skill development training. Each unit is estimated to cost approximately Rs 75 lakh, with an administrative approval of Rs 9.20 crore granted as the final instalment, following previous releases of Rs 11.30 crore and Rs 2 crore, completing the total allocation. The funds have been transferred to the Khumulung branch of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) via the Drawing and Disbursing Officer of the Tribal Welfare Department, with financial transactions conducted through a designated account at Tripura Gramin Bank. Construction and installation will align with approved technical estimates. Although Tripura is a leading rubber-producing state, inadequate primary processing and storage facilities have hindered rubber growers’ earnings. Local processing is anticipated to enhance price realization and lessen reliance on intermediaries, thus benefiting small and marginal growers in tribal regions.
