₹27.5 Cr Sanctioned for Rubber Processing Units in Tribal Areas of Tripura

The Tribal Welfare Department has sanctioned Rs 27.50 crore under the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme for creation of rubber processing infrastructure in tribal areas of Tripura during the 2025-26 financial year. The funds will be utilized in phases to set up rubber sheet production units at the local level under the Rubber Processing Scheme (RPS). The components include construction of smoke houses, installation of roller machines and skill development training. The estimated cost of each unit is around Rs 75 lakh. An administrative approval of Rs 9.20 crore has been issued as the final instalment. Earlier, Rs 11.30 crore and Rs 2 crore were released, completing the total allocation.

The funds have been transferred through the Drawing and Disbursing Officer of the Tribal Welfare Department to the Khumulung branch of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Financial transactions will be conducted through a designated account at Tripura Gramin Bank’s Khumulung branch. Construction and installation works will be carried out as per approved technical estimates, officials said. Despite Tripura being one of the leading rubber-producing states, lack of sufficient primary processing and storage infrastructure has become a hurdle for rubber growers in getting adequate remuneration. Local processing of rubber sheets is expected to improve price realization and reduce dependence on intermediaries, benefiting small and marginal growers in tribal areas.