The rubber industry has been instrumental in driving the economic progress of Tripura. The State Government is proactively seeking collaborations with different tire companies to manufacture tires using rubber produced in the State, said Chief Minister of Tripura Dr Manik Saha.
The Chief Minister speaking at the inaugural programme of the National Conference cum Buyer & Seller Meet organized by the Agriculture Department at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala on Monday.
He said, “Tripura is the second-largest producer of rubber after Kerala. In our state, approximately 94,000 metric tons of rubber are produced across 70,000 hectares of land. To ensure the quality of rubber, we are constructing smoke houses and manufacturing graded rubber sheets. We are also actively working on establishing partnerships with various tire companies to produce tires using locally sourced rubber.”
Dr Saha highlighted the abundance of resources for agriculture and allied sectors which have the potential to foster industrial development.
In this connection, he announced, Tripura is set to showcase its delectable organic Queen Pineapple and a variety of other fruits in Varanasi on July 21 next.
He said, “Tripura is known as the ‘queen of pineapples,’ and it has been officially declared the state food by the former President of India. Our queen pineapples are not only popular within the country but also in foreign markets. Recently, we held an exhibition of our pineapples in Delhi. We are exporting pineapples to other countries and have established an ‘Integrated Pack House’ for packaging and quality maintenance purposes. Our food products are being showcased in various locations, and on July 21st, we will exhibit them in Varanasi.”
The Chief Minister also shared that the state government is cultivating more than 419 varieties of exotic flowers on 1163 hectares of land.
“Tripura boasts 21 species of bamboo, and our bamboo has been used in the construction of the new parliament building. The favorable climate of Tripura supports the cultivation of fruits on over 12,000 hectares of land and vegetables on approximately 16,000 hectares. We are dedicated to doubling the income of farmers. In 2015, the average farmer’s income was INR 6,580, which has increased to INR 13,510. The improved connectivity in the state will also benefit importers and exporters”, said CM.
Around 18 buyers and sellers from across the country participated in the national conference held today.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Apurba Roy, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.