Agartala: Tripura’s MSMEs and start-ups should focus on manufacturing essential products in the defense sector using bamboo and rubber, which grow abundantly in the northeastern state, said speakers at an awareness session here on Friday. Kolkata-based Bharat Chamber of Commerce (BCC) organized a one-day awareness session.

Aerospace and defense expert Balpreet Singh highlighted Tripura’s potential that MSMEs and startups can tap into.

He said that rubber can also be used in the manufacture of tyres, tubes, gloves, uniforms and other gears used in the defense sector.

Singh said that bamboo can be converted into biofuel that can be used in the aerospace and aviation sector.

“Adequate direction and support from the state government is needed to capitalize on the opportunity…Tripura’s proximity to Southeast Asia can attract investment for supply chain integration and logistics hubs. Rubber, bamboo and other raw materials. Abundance of cargo can be used for lightweight materials in defense,” he said.

The state has something to contribute to the country’s defense sector, said SK Majhi, Chief Manager, Integrated Material Management (IMM), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He urged local MSMEs, especially from the rubber and bamboo industry, to step up. And contribute to the growing defense sector by taking advantage of growth and development opportunities. Akhilesh Kumar Mishra, senior official of the Defense Investment and Corridor Cell, also mentioned the steps taken by the Center to attract industry in creating a domestic defense industrial ecosystem.

Sabyasachi Dibarma, joint director of the state’s industry and commerce department, emphasized the state’s potential to contribute to the country’s defense transformation.

“The state’s rich natural resources – rubber and bamboo, skilled workforce and strategic location make it an ideal destination for defense manufacturing,” he said.