Assam urges industrialists to invest in the rubber sector

GUWAHATI:

Assam Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary has appealed to industrialists and companies to invest in the state’s rubber sector.

Patowary also called upon the chairman-cum-managing directors of JK Tyre, Apollo Tyres, Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino (CEAT) and Madras Rubber Factory (MRF) to invest in Assam.

“Advantage Assam has brought in investments worth Rs 65,000 crore and with the simplified MSME Act, 2020, land bank, industrial corridor, Assam is the next destination for rubber industries to flourish,” Patowary said.

Patowary cited the example of Patanjali being given land and power in a record 48-hours and referred to the industry-friendly ecosystem in the state.

ALSO READ:

Also Read: Meghalaya: Missing rape accused found dead

“At present, the total rubber plantation in Assam is 60,000 hectares, of which 26,658.58 hectares is under tapping. With annual rubber production of 31,590 metric tonnes and revenue generation of Rs 427 crore, this sector has employed 2 lakh, people,” he said.

The Assam government aims to increase the rubber cultivation from the potential 1.3 lakh hectares to 5 lakh hectares.

He asked the Union government to provide saplings suitable for the climatic condition of the Northeast, planting material and machinery to increase production and improve the livelihood of the people.

ALSO READ:

Also Read: Sikkim CM interacts with representatives of ‘left out’ communities

“The industries and commerce department will soon establish nine primary processing centres (PPCs) to promote rubber plantation in the state. Each PPC will cost Rs 50 lakh, and they will provide 50 per cent subsidy to rubber farmers,” Patowary said.

In his address, Union minister Goyal thanked the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association for agreeing to invest Rs 1,100 crore for developing plantations in 2,00,000 hectares within five years in the Northeast.

Acknowledging the quality of rubber produced in Northeast, Goyal described the region as an ideal rubber procurement zone.

He urged the Northeast states to work out schemes and coordinate with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for loan assistance to farmers.

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

ALSO WATCH: