By TC News Desk
Agartala, September 02, 2023: The 4th State Convention of the Tripura State Rubber Producers Association convened at the All India Krishak Sabha office on Saturday, drawing attention to critical issues facing rubber producers in the region. The event featured the presence of All Bharat Krishak Sabha State Committee Secretary, Pabitra Kar.
During the convention, Secretary Pabitra Kar shed light on the current state of the rubber industry in Tripura, revealing that the state is home to over one lakh rubber farmers and three lakh rubber workers. However, he underscored a pressing concern that has plagued the industry – a severe rubber shortage.
Kar pointed out that despite the governance of the current administration, there has been no significant expansion of rubber plantations in the last five years. This stagnant growth has been further exacerbated by a substantial reduction in the price of rubber, which has plummeted from Rs 250 to Rs 100-120 crore.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of support for rubber farmers, Kar lamented that they have not received the necessary cooperation, even with the existence of a rubber board. As a result, the suffering of rubber plantations has continued unabated.
In response to these challenges, it was announced during the convention that Tripura’s rubber farmers would actively participate in the Delhi Parliament Abhiyan, a nationwide program set for September 14. The participation aims to draw attention to Tripura-specific issues and advocate for remedies to alleviate the hardships faced by rubber producers.
The event will serve as an opportunity for stakeholders to raise their demands and seek solutions to the issues impacting rubber cultivation in the state.