New Delhi, Dec 31 (KNN) Central government is mulling plans to facilitate rubber based industries in Tripura, said Giriraj Singh, Union MSME Minister.

Speaking at the inauguration of Tool Room & Training Centre (TRTC) at Budhjungnagar, he said “We are mulling plans on how the Centre can extend a helping hand to boost rubber-based industries in the State, which will create job opportunity for thousands of youths.”

Tripura is the second largest rubber producing state in the country but lacks in value addition, he added.

Further, he said “Tripura’s GDP could be raised from 5-7 billion dollars to 30-35 billion dollars if its natural resources are properly tagged with ongoing development programmes.”

The Union Minister also made a reference to the suitable agro-climatic conditions for Agar and bamboo cultivation in the State.

He said “If cultivation of Agar and bamboo is properly tapped it will be a game changer for the state which is facing an acute unemployment problem. More so, there must be efforts to set up an aromatic factory based on local resources.”

He also expressed strong views against waiving of agricultural loan for the welfare of farmers.

“Waiving of agricultural loan is not the solution to the problem in agro sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pursuing a plan so that farmers don’t need to take loan for their cultivation”, he informed.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb outlined the state government’s focus on job creation for the unemployed youths.

He said “Government jobs are not the solution to 8/9 lakh unemployed youths. That’s why the government is giving importance on self-employment and entrepreneurship development.”

“As many as 820 entrepreneurs have registered with the Industries and Commerce department and they are providing jobs to around 4,000 people,” he added.