Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Wednesday held a review meeting with officials of the Rubber Board Regional Office, Dimapur, at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, to assess the progress of rubber cultivation and related development initiatives across the State.
During the meeting, officials presented an overview of the status of rubber plantations, production, infrastructure development, farmer training and welfare initiatives. As of March 31, 2026, Nagaland has a total rubber-planted area of 29,794.39 hectares, comprising 11,977.71 hectares of mature plantations and 17,816.68 hectares of immature plantations. The State recorded total rubber production of 13,617.21 metric tonnes, with productivity standing at 1,166.03 kg per hectare.
The Governor reviewed major programmes being implemented by the Rubber Board, including the INROAD Project (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development), Group Processing Centres (GPCs), Farmer Education and Training programmes, the Tappers’ Intensive Skill Improvement Programme (TISP), skill development initiatives and measures to control plantation diseases.
Under the INROAD Project, efforts are being undertaken to promote large-scale plantation development and strengthen the rubber ecosystem in the Northeast. The initiative seeks to encourage sustainable expansion of rubber cultivation while improving the livelihoods and economic prospects of rubber growers.
The meeting also reviewed the establishment of Group Processing Centres, which are intended to facilitate collective processing of rubber, improve the quality of rubber sheets and reduce processing costs for individual farmers. The Rubber Board is also focusing on capacity building through field-based training, practical demonstrations, awareness programmes and exposure visits for growers.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Addressing the shortage of skilled labour in the sector, the Rubber Board has intensified its Tappers’ Intensive Skill Improvement Programme, which provides hands-on training in scientific rubber tapping techniques aimed at improving both tapping efficiency and plantation productivity.
Officials further apprised the Governor of the use of drone technology to combat Abnormal Leaf Fall disease, which has affected rubber plantations in the State. Drone-based spraying of Copper Oxychloride has been undertaken in selected areas of Wokha, Peren and Niuland districts, covering a total area of 171.15 hectares.
The meeting also deliberated on several challenges facing the rubber sector in Nagaland, including inadequate rural road connectivity, shortage of trained tappers, dependence on labour from outside the State, limited marketing channels and damage to plantations caused by wildlife.
Looking ahead, the Rubber Board plans to continue and expand Farmer Education and Training programmes, strengthen skill development initiatives and establish additional Group Processing Centres. It will also maintain close coordination with the Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland, to support the sector’s development.
Further expansion of rubber-related activities is also being planned in anticipation of INROAD 2.0, with the objective of consolidating Nagaland’s growing rubber sector, improving productivity and strengthening the overall value chain for farmers.
