Apurba Roy, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Tripura inaugurated planting in the International Hevea Clone Museum (A Repository of Advanced Genetic Resources) in Tripura at Taranagar Farm under Regional Research Station of  Rubber Research Institute of India.  Dr. Debabrata Ray (Director, Rubber Research Institute of India), Anjan Sengupta (Joint Director, Directorate of Biotechnology, Government of Tripura) N Sali (Joint Rubber Production Commissioner, ZO Agartala) were present on the occasion.

The International Hevea Clone Museum has been established with rubber clones from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar,  as a repository for preserving and showcasing advanced genetic resources of Hevea brasiliensis and aims to serve as an important centre for research, conservation, and demonstration of elite rubber clones from around the globe. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly towards strengthening rubber research on diversifying genetic resources for crop improvement programme and sustainable rubber development in the region.

During the programme, the dignitaries planted selected Hevea clones of various countries, marking the formal commencement of the museum establishment.

The officials appreciated the collaborative efforts of the RRII and IRRDB in promoting scientific advancement and innovation in the rubber sector.