Project INROAD: Expanding Natural Rubber Cultivation in North-East India

Why in News?

Project INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) has achieved a major milestone by creating 1.8 lakh hectares of new rubber plantations by 15–16 July 2026, against its target of 2 lakh hectares. The project is being implemented across 113 districts in North-East India and West Bengal to increase domestic natural rubber production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

What is Project INROAD?

Project INROAD is a large-scale plantation development programme launched in 2021-22 to promote natural rubber cultivation in North-East India and West Bengal. The project has an estimated outlay of ₹1,100 crore and aims to expand rubber plantations, improve productivity, and reduce India’s dependence on imported natural rubber.

The project is implemented by the Rubber Board of India with financial support from leading tyre manufacturers, including Apollo Tyres, CEAT, JK Tyre, and MRF, through the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).

Its major activities include plantation development, supply of quality planting materials, nursery development, and technical support for farmers.

Key Features of Project INROAD

Project INROAD mainly focuses on supporting small and marginal farmers engaged in rubber cultivation.

More than 2 lakh farmers have benefited from the programme, receiving over 8.3 crore high-quality rubber planting materials. The project has also established more than 200 nurseries to produce improved rubber clones that offer higher yields and better disease resistance.

These nurseries help farmers replace old, low-yielding rubber trees with improved varieties, leading to better productivity and higher incomes.

Rubber Cultivation in North-East India

Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, the world’s primary commercial rubber tree. The North-East region has become an important rubber-growing area because of its high rainfall, warm climate, and humid conditions, which are ideal for rubber cultivation.

The expansion of rubber plantations in the region is expected to create employment opportunities, improve rural incomes, and strengthen India’s domestic supply of natural rubber for industries such as tyre manufacturing.

Next Phase: iSPEED

Following the success of plantation expansion, the government has announced the next phase called INROAD Skilling and Production Efficiency Enhancement Drive (iSPEED) with an estimated cost of ₹145 crore.

The programme will focus on:

• Construction of model smokehouses for rubber processing.
• Development of post-harvest infrastructure.
• Skill training for farmers.
• Improving latex quality and production efficiency.

The objective is to increase both the quantity and quality of natural rubber produced by farmers.

Significance of Project INROAD

Project INROAD plays an important role in strengthening India’s natural rubber sector. Higher domestic production will reduce dependence on imports, support the growing tyre industry, generate rural employment, and promote sustainable plantation development in North-East India. The project also contributes to regional economic development by encouraging scientific farming practices and improving farmers’ incomes.

Important Facts for Exams

• INROAD stands for Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development.
• The project was launched in 2021-22 with an estimated outlay of ₹1,100 crore.
• It is implemented by the Rubber Board of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The project covers 113 districts in North-East India and West Bengal.
• Hevea brasiliensis is the principal commercial tree used for natural rubber production.
• More than 2 lakh farmers have benefited under the programme.
• The next phase, iSPEED, focuses on skill development, post-harvest infrastructure, and quality improvement.
• Natural rubber is a key raw material used mainly in the tyre and automobile industry.