Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission – Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tripura

Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission

Most of the tribal population is dependent on shifting cultivation.
Low and unstable income sources exist for the tribal people.
There is a need to develop post-harvest infrastructure, including Smokehouses and Rubber Processing Centers, to improve value addition.
There is a need to enhance the livelihood and income of tribal households by promoting rubber cultivation as a sustainable and remunerative economic activity.
A large section of tribal households traditionally depended on seasonal wage labour, resulting in livelihood insecurity, underutilization of land resources, and limited economic opportunities.

Implemented a convergence model led by the Tribal Welfare Department involving multiple government departments and partner agencies, identifying beneficiaries through Block Advisory Committees, Gram Panchayats, and Village Committees.
Provided free quality rubber saplings through ATMA and the Rubber Board, alongside financial assistance for fencing, fertilizers, and post-plantation maintenance.
Established Rubber Smoke Houses and Integrated Rubber Processing Centers for value addition and better market prices.
Supported labor costs for plantation activities under MGNREGA.
Implemented regular monitoring, field supervision, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.

Achieved the Mission target by bringing 69,000 hectares of land under rubber plantations.
Generated stable income and improved the socio-economic conditions of tribal households.
Strengthened beneficiaries’ skills through training in plantation management, tapping, and post-harvest processing.
Improved the supply of quality raw materials for the rubber industry, contributing to the State’s economic growth and GDP.
Benefited over 89,000 tribal beneficiaries, including ST households, Bru families, PVTGs, and returnee families, and established 46 Rubber Smoke Houses and 25 Integrated Rubber Processing Centers to enhance value addition and increase market returns.