Tripura To Build 28 Smoke Houses To Boost Rubber Quality And Value

AGARTALA: The Tripura government has initiated the process to construct 28 modern smokehouses to produce high-quality rubber sheets, which fetch higher market value, an official said on Monday. Smokehouses play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of rubber sheets, which have higher market value.

"The Centre has sanctioned Rs 37.50 crore for the construction of 28 modern smokehouses under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme," Subhasish Das, director of Tripura’s Tribal Welfare Department, told the media, adding that the government aims to complete it within the next six months.

With 1,10,648 hectares of plantations, Tripura produces 1,10,717 metric tonnes of natural rubber annually, making it the nation's second-largest natural rubber producer in the country after Kerala.

According to Rubber Board officials, "Less than 4 percent of natural rubber produced in the state undergoes value addition, while around 96 percent of rubber sheets or latex are sent outside the state." "Once operational, these smokehouses will improve the quality of rubber sheets, increasing earnings for rubber growers," Das added.

Meanwhile, Tripura CM Manik Saha said that discussions are ongoing to set up satellite townships in three locations across the state. CM Manik Saha stated that these satellite townships would be planned and equipped with all the necessities.

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