Tripura’s rubber sector receives a major boost as the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) introduce drone-based fungicide spraying and advanced disease-management solutions. The technology-driven initiative aims to combat climate-related fungal infections, protect plantations, improve productivity, and support sustainable livelihoods for rubber growers.
The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have jointly launched a technology-driven initiative aimed at helping rubber growers combat fungal diseases that severely affected plantations across the state last year.
The initiative, which focuses on drone-based fungicide spraying and advanced disease-management practices, was unveiled during the Rubber Growers’ Conference 2026 held at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala. The conference brought together scientists, industry experts, rubber growers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for protecting rubber plantations and ensuring sustainable production in the years ahead.
Addressing the conference, RRII Director Debabrata Roy highlighted the serious impact of a fungal infection that spread across Tripura’s rubber plantations in 2025. According to him, the disease caused extensive leaf fall, significantly affecting latex production and reducing the quality of rubber output.
Roy explained that the fungicides traditionally used in the state were found to be less effective against the newly emerging fungal infection. As a result, experts were compelled to explore alternative disease-management solutions capable of addressing the evolving threat. He stressed that effective disease control depends not only on selecting the right fungicide but also on adopting modern application techniques.
One of the key components of the initiative is the use of drones for spraying fungicides across plantations. Roy said technological advancements have made it possible to deploy drones efficiently in rubber-growing areas, enabling better coverage compared to conventional manual spraying methods. Drone-based spraying can reach larger plantation areas in less time while ensuring more uniform distribution of chemicals.
Apart from improving efficiency, drone technology is expected to reduce environmental impact by minimizing excessive chemical use and lowering exposure risks for plantation workers. Experts believe that the adoption of precision agriculture techniques will play a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of Tripura’s rubber sector against future climate-induced challenges.
Tripura currently has more than 1.10 lakh hectares under rubber cultivation, making it one of the most important rubber-producing states in India. The crop serves as a major source of livelihood for thousands of rural families and contributes significantly to the state’s economy. Roy noted that expansion of cultivation areas has nearly reached saturation levels, making productivity enhancement and plantation protection essential for sustaining growth.
Speaking at the event, BPCL Business Head (Mak Lubricants) S. Kannan said that unusual climatic conditions experienced in 2025 created a favorable environment for the spread of leaf-fall disease caused by fungal infections. The outbreak affected plantation health and rubber yields across large parts of Tripura.
Kannan pointed out that similar fungal disease challenges have been affecting rubber-growing regions of Kerala for several years. Drawing on this experience, BPCL’s research and development division collaborated with the Rubber Board to develop an effective disease-control product. The product underwent extensive field trials in Kerala over the past decade and demonstrated encouraging results in controlling fungal infections.
As the disease outbreak intensified in Tripura last year, a limited quantity of the product was supplied on an emergency basis. According to Kannan, the treatment delivered positive outcomes and helped contain the spread of the infection in affected plantations.
However, experts warned that the risk has not completely disappeared. Given the prevailing weather patterns and changing climatic conditions, there remains a possibility of recurrence. The conference therefore emphasized knowledge-sharing, awareness, and preparedness among growers to help them identify symptoms early and adopt preventive measures.
Kannan reaffirmed BPCL’s commitment to supporting the rubber sector through continued research, disease-control innovations, and technological interventions. He noted that drone spraying technology offers multiple benefits, including better plantation coverage, reduced chemical wastage, lower labor requirements, and improved operational efficiency.
The conference also focused on encouraging greater participation of younger generations in rubber cultivation. Roy urged youth to consider rubber farming as a sustainable and profitable livelihood option, emphasizing the long-term economic potential of the sector.
The Rubber Growers’ Conference 2026 was inaugurated by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee. Discussions during the event centered on disease-control strategies, technological innovations, climate resilience, and sustainable plantation management practices. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the combined efforts of RRII, BPCL, and the Rubber Board would help strengthen Tripura’s rubber industry and protect growers from future disease outbreaks.
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With climate change increasingly influencing agricultural production systems, the introduction of drone technology and advanced disease-management solutions marks a significant milestone for Tripura’s rubber sector. The initiative is expected to enhance plantation health, improve productivity, and secure the livelihoods of thousands of rubber growers across the state.
