Rubber Growers in West Tripura and Sepahijala Hit by Fast-Spreading Fungal Disease Amid Excessive hit weaving and Rainfall

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 25, 2025

Rubber cultivators in several areas of West Tripura district, including Anandanagar, Nagichara, and Jarulbachai, along with parts of Sepahijala district, are currently facing a severe outbreak of a fast-spreading fungal disease affecting rubber trees. Over the past few days, the leaves of rubber trees in these regions have started turning red in color before falling off prematurely, a situation causing deep concern among the rubber-growing community.

According to local sources, the disease is spreading rapidly across multiple plantations, posing a significant threat to rubber production in the region if not brought under control soon.

When contacted by Tripurainfo.com, Dr. Debabrata Ray, one of Tripura's leading rubber scientists associated with the Rubber Board, confirmed that the issue is already under close observation by the authorities. He stated, “This is a known fungal problem, and we have received reports from the affected areas. The main cause behind this outbreak is the unusually high rainfall and hit weaving experienced in Tripura this year, which has created favorable conditions for such fungal infections.”

Dr. Ray further explained that if the leaf fall is seen to be abnormal in any plantation, a specific fungicidal treatment must be applied to control the spread. However, the required medicine is expensive and needs to be sprayed across a wide aerial range for effective results.

“In view of the cost and the scale of application required, we are advising rubber growers to wait. We are exploring the possibility of using drone technology to spray the medicine more efficiently and economically,” Dr. Ray added.

The Rubber Board scientists are reportedly working closely with local rubber growers to monitor the situation and prepare a coordinated response. Growers in the affected areas have urged for quick intervention and support from the government and concerned authorities to prevent further damage to their plantations.

This development comes at a critical time for Tripura’s rubber sector, which is a key livelihood source for thousands of families in the state.

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