After months of distress for rubber growers, the Tripura Rubber Board has launched a major initiative to protect plantations from a fungal disease that has been causing premature leaf fall in rubber trees across the state.

Farmers in several districts had reported heavy damage to their plantations, with many even halting latex collection due to widespread infection and tree deaths. Following complaints from farmers and the Rubber Association, the Rubber Board collected leaf samples and confirmed that excessive rainfall had triggered a new fungal outbreak.

Acting swiftly, the Board procured a special pesticide-spraying drone and an operator from Tamil Nadu through a tendering process. After successful trials, the official spraying campaign began on Thursday at 10 a.m. near East Champamura RPS in the Bishalgarh subdivision. This marks the first time drones are being used in Tripura to spray pesticides on rubber trees.

Officials informed that the spraying operation will continue almost daily across all affected districts until the disease is brought under control. 

Farmers, who had been panicked over heavy crop loss, expressed relief and hope as the initiative began.

The Rubber Board expects the large-scale drone spraying to not only save existing trees but also reassure growers, restoring confidence in Tripura’s rubber sector.