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Agriculture
Experts Call for Limits on Rubber Plantation Expansion in Tripura
✍️ timesofindia.indiatimes.com
🗓 04 Sep 2026, 07:03 AM
👁 3
Agricultural experts have urged the Tripura government to impose a ceiling on new rubber plantation areas, citing ecological and socio‑economic concerns.
A group of agricultural researchers and environmentalists has appealed to the Tripura state administration to set a definitive limit on the spread of rubber plantations. The call comes as the state has witnessed a noticeable rise in rubber cultivation, which is seen as a lucrative cash crop for many farmers.
The experts warn that unchecked expansion threatens forest cover, disrupts local biodiversity and could strain water resources. They also point out that converting agricultural land to rubber may reduce the area available for food crops, potentially affecting the livelihoods of small‑holder farmers.
In their recommendation, the panel suggests a cap on the total area that can be newly allotted for rubber, along with clear guidelines for sustainable plantation practices. They have asked the government to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment before approving further expansion.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the proposal in upcoming policy deliberations, balancing economic benefits with environmental safeguards.
The experts warn that unchecked expansion threatens forest cover, disrupts local biodiversity and could strain water resources. They also point out that converting agricultural land to rubber may reduce the area available for food crops, potentially affecting the livelihoods of small‑holder farmers.
In their recommendation, the panel suggests a cap on the total area that can be newly allotted for rubber, along with clear guidelines for sustainable plantation practices. They have asked the government to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment before approving further expansion.
State officials have acknowledged the concerns and indicated that they will review the proposal in upcoming policy deliberations, balancing economic benefits with environmental safeguards.