Nagaland’s rubber sector is facing several challenges, including poor rural road connectivity, shortage of skilled tappers, dependence on outside labour, inadequate marketing channels and damage to plantations caused by wildlife.
The issues were discussed during a review meeting held by Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav with officials of the Rubber Board Regional Office, Dimapur, at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on September 2.
During the meeting, the Governor reviewed the progress and initiatives undertaken by the Rubber Board for the development and expansion of rubber cultivation in the State. Officials presented an overview of the status of rubber plantations, production, infrastructure development, farmer training and welfare initiatives across Nagaland.
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 a total production of 13,617.21 MT, with a productivity of 1,166.03 kg per hectare.
The meeting also reviewed key initiatives of the Rubber Board, including the Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD) Project, Group Processing Centres (GPCs), Farmer Education and Training programmes, Tappers’ Intensive Skill Improvement Programme (TISP), skill development initiatives and disease intervention measures.
Under the INROAD Project, efforts are being made towards large-scale plantation development and strengthening the rubber ecosystem in the North East. The project aims to promote sustainable expansion of rubber cultivation and improve the livelihoods of rubber growers.
The Governor was also apprised of the establishment of Group Processing Centres aimed at facilitating collective processing, improving the quality of rubber sheets and reducing processing costs for individual growers.
Emphasis is also being placed on capacity building through on-field training, practical demonstrations, awareness programmes and exposure visits for rubber growers.
The Rubber Board has further intensified efforts to address the shortage of skilled tappers through the Tappers’ Intensive Skill Improvement Programme, which provides hands-on training in scientific rubber tapping practices.
Officials also highlighted the use of drone technology for combating Abnormal Leaf Fall disease affecting rubber plantations. Drone-based spraying of Copper Oxychloride has been undertaken across selected areas of Wokha, Peren and Niuland districts, covering a total of 171.15 hectares.
The meeting also deliberated on the challenges confronting the rubber sector, including poor rural road connectivity, shortage of skilled tappers, dependence on outside labour, inadequate marketing channels and damage to plantations caused by wildlife.
Looking ahead, the Rubber Board plans to continue Farmer Education and Training programmes, expand skill development initiatives, establish additional Group Processing Centres and maintain close coordination with the Department of Land Resources, Government of Nagaland.
Further expansion of activities is also being planned in anticipation of INROAD 2.0.
