Govt in talks with business group to set up bamboo-based ethanol plant in state, says CM 

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday said discussions are underway with a leading business group for setting up an ethanol plant in the state based on bamboo resources.

He also said, Tripura signed MoUs worth nearly Rs. 3,800 crore following the Business Conclave. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 36th Tripura Industries and Commerce Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, Tripura is rich in natural resources and has immense potential to strengthen its industrial base by utilising products such as bamboo, cane, pineapple, agarwood and rubber.

He noted that industries worth around Rs. 2,000 crore could be developed in the state centring on agarwood alone.

The fair, organised by the Industries and Commerce Department, will continue till February 12. On the inaugural dais, several investing companies were felicitated with mementoes by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Highlighting the importance of industry and commerce as the backbone of any economy, the Chief Minister said investment in Tripura has increased significantly during the tenure of the present government. He alleged that during previous regimes, several industrial units were destroyed in the name of movements, delaying the state’s journey towards self-reliance.

Referring to the era of Artificial Intelligence and 5G, the Chief Minister said data has become indispensable for development. He announced that Airtel will set up the first data centre in the North Eastern region in Tripura, with work commencing on Thursday.

He added that old industrial policies have been simplified, incentives are being provided, skill development training is being imparted, and investor platforms are being created through regular conclaves.

The Chief Minister also emphasised women’s economic empowerment, stating that Self-Help Group members have received Rs. 700 crore as revolving funds and Rs. 1,000 crore in bank loans, creating around 1.08 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in the state.

Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma said a total of 580 stalls from within the state, outside and abroad have been set up at the fair, with free stalls provided to select SHGs and NGOs. Industries Secretary Kiran Gitte said investment has increased substantially over the last three to four years due to investor-friendly policies.

Among others present were Assembly Deputy Speaker Ramprasad Pal, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, Agartala Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, MLA Minarani Sarkar, West Tripura Zilla Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil and TIDC Chairman Nabadal Banik.