Agartala, Jan 11, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Jan 11: In the calm landscapes of our state, where dense forests hum with life and rubber plantations dot the countryside, a quiet revolution is brewing.

For centuries, bamboo and rubber have been the lifelines of this north-eastern state, serving as tools of tradition and trade. Now, these natural treasures are poised to step into a new role of fortifying India’s defence capabilities and opening unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

At a gathering on Friday in Agartala, held at Hotel Polo Towers and hosted by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, this vision came alive. The awareness event, titled “Evolving Local to Focal: Focus MSME Entrepreneurs,” was more of a rallying cry for the state’s industries to reimagine their potential. The room buzzed with energy as industry leaders, policymakers and innovators painted a picture of how Tripura’s bamboo and rubber could become the cornerstones of a sustainable and strategic defence supply chain.

These attendees including Balpreet Singh, Manager at Aerospace & Defence, Ernst & Young LLP, Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, Deputy Director General (M&P) of Defence Investment & Corridors Cell, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, S.K. Majee, Chief Manager of Integrated Material Management, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Sabyasachi Debbarma, Joint Director of Department of Industries & Commerce, Shiladitya Munshi, Professor at Techno India University, Rajkumar Agrawal, Vice-President of Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata, Avik Roy, Secretary of Bharat Chamber of Commerce Kolkata and several other dignitaries provided insights, motivation, and a roadmap for leveraging the state’s resources for defence manufacturing and export opportunities.

The rich greenery of Tripura hides a quiet power: high-quality rubber, ideal for manufacturing tyres, seals and gaskets for military vehicles. Meanwhile, bamboo, traditionally used in construction and handicrafts, offers surprising possibilities in creating lightweight composites for defence equipment.

Experts at the session highlighted that bamboo composites could serve as a key material for defence applications, from protective panels to structural components in vehicles. Rubber, with its durability and versatility, is poised to meet the growing demand for tactical gear, bulletproof vests, and shock-resistant materials. As India pushes forward with its "Make in India" vision, Tripura’s natural abundance provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to reduce import dependency in critical defence sectors.

The state’s strategic location, bordering Southeast Asia, further enhances its value as a hub for defence exports. With investments in logistics and supply chain infrastructure, the state can position itself as a gateway for Indian defence products to global markets. This potential has not gone unnoticed, as defence giants like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are keen to support local MSMEs in building capabilities and fostering innovation.

Stories of ingenuity already emerging from Tripura add weight to this vision. From the development of hexacopters for border surveillance to durable materials for extreme terrains, the state is quietly but steadily carving a niche in defence innovation. Institutions like Techno India University are nurturing these efforts, providing technological support and incubation for new ideas that align with the country’s strategic goals.

The potential for economic growth and employment is immense. By transforming bamboo and rubber into high-tech materials for defence, Tripura can generate jobs, stimulate local industries, and foster self-reliance. Yet, for this vision to materialize, the state must take decisive steps, such as crafting an Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy, akin to those in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. This policy could serve as a blueprint for unlocking the state’s resources while attracting investments and partnerships.

Tripura stands at the tip of a green revolution, one that marries nature’s bounty with modern technology to serve the nation’s defence needs. In this journey, bamboo and rubber are not just materials, but they are symbols of a new era, where the state’s forests echo with the promise of innovation, resilience and progress.