Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part D (2022)

Initially, the Havea brasiliensis was introduced in Tripura, a Northeastern state of India for ecological benefit, primarily for restoration of soil erosion in denuded forests. Subsequently, such plantation was linked to resettlement of tribal Jhumias (Shifting cultivators), which also revolutionized the socio-economic conditions of the concerned populace as it has been found as a lucrative alternative to shifting cultivation among the tribal population of the state. Subsequently, it has also been taken up by other sections of the populace too.

But, globally, as well as in Tripura there are now voices that, expansion of rubber plantation has negative consequences on local climate resulting decrease and change in local rainfall, negative impact on local thermal climate, depletion of sub-surface water, reduction of flow of stream resulting drier catchment, deterioration of soil quality and loss of biodiversity. Even there are voices that it has negative impact on certain sections of the concerned populace in socio-economic aspects too.

In the present paper, it has been tried to review all these aspects based on available literature on the studies carried out in different places in the globe including in Tripura and on that basis, it be asserted that, in Tripura situation, it has not made impact on changes on microclimate (rainfall, thermal climate, ground water and flow if streams). Played positive role in enriching soil fertility, preventing soil erosion and even in increasing both above and below ground biodiversity.

However, precautionary emphasis should be on addition of other plants/intercropping instead of single-species both in existing and future plantations. Expansion be restricted to suitable area classified on the basis of landscape ecological analysis. For further expansion, if any and for long term planning for plantations including rubber, another landscape ecological analysis be undertaken on the basis of up-to date status.