Legal and Social Impacts of Rubber Cultivation and its Perceptions in the State of Tripura

The paper discussed the perception of rubber cultivators on impact of rubber cultivation in Tripura. It has been found that majority of household accepted that their income and living standard are increased after rehabilitated to rubber plantation from shifting cultivation. Households are widely believed that savings pattern, savings capacity, investment capacity, connectivity with institutions, life style, social status, educational level, sanitation facilities, drinking water facilities, electricity facilities, modern amenities, social/political connectivity, economic rights, political rights, and social rights are improved after their rehabilitation in rubber plantation. Health conditions of women and children are enhanced after rehabilitation. Income from rubber plantation is comparatively higher from shifting cultivation. Income from rubber plantation is more stable. Their income status is changed and most of rubber cultivators have bank account. Investment in rubber plantation have stable income. They have modern amenities, like electricity, water supply etc. Therefore, rubber cultivator’s have positive perception on impact of rubber plantation on standard of living. The subjective approach of this article provides valuable insights into how the cultivators perceive the changes in their lives. This article also delves into the specific context of Tripura’s rehabilitation programme for shifting cultivators transitioning to rubber cultivation.