AGARTALA| OCTOBER 19,2025| SKY LINK TIMES|
In a moment of pride for Tripura and the North-East, Tripura Scientist Dr. Debabrata Ray, a distinguished scientist from the state, has been appointed as the Director of the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) under the Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. He becomes the first person from Tripura to hold this prestigious position.
Tripura Scientist Dr. Debabrata Ray is An Academic Trailblazer from Tripura
Dr. Ray, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, completed his Ph.D. in 2009 from the university’s Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL), where he specialized in ecological niche modelling of rubber trees. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental and agricultural sustainability.
Before assuming charge as Director, Dr. Ray served as the first Liaison Officer for the International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB)’s Non-Traditional Areas Specialist Group—a global initiative to promote rubber cultivation in emerging regions outside conventional plantation zones. He continues to hold this influential role, working with international experts to drive innovation in sustainable rubber production.
Research Excellence and Global Recognition
Over the years, Dr. Ray’s research in plant nutrition, crop physiology, and environmental stress has positioned him as a leading voice in tropical agriculture. His pioneering work on Hevea brasiliensis—the primary source of natural rubber—has been featured in numerous international scientific journals.
Using tools like remote sensing and GIS technologies, Dr. Ray has developed models to optimize rubber cultivation under changing climatic conditions, benefiting both traditional and non-traditional rubber-growing regions.
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Plans for Sustainable Rubber Expansion
Under his leadership, RRII is expected to deepen its research on climate-resilient rubber farming, with a focus on India’s North-Eastern states. According to official sources, a national workshop on non-traditional rubber-growing regions is being planned in Tripura early next year. The event will bring together scientists, policymakers, and farmers to chart strategies for expanding India’s rubber footprint sustainably.
A Proud Moment for Tripura
Dr. Ray’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the scientific community and state leaders alike. It marks a new chapter for Tripura, which is India’s second-largest rubber-producing state, after Kerala.
Local scholars and agricultural experts say his leadership could further strengthen Tripura’s position as a hub for innovative and sustainable rubber cultivation.
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