Project INROAD Expands Natural Rubber Plantations in North-East India and West Bengal

Key Facts

• Project INROAD was launched in the financial year 2021-22 with an estimated outlay of Rs 1,100 crore.
• The project targets the establishment of 2 lakh hectares of natural rubber plantations across 113 districts in North-East India and West Bengal.
• By 15-16 July 2026, the project had created 1.8 lakh hectares of new rubber plantations.
• Implemented by the Rubber Board of India and financially supported by Apollo Tyres, CEAT, JK Tyre, and MRF through the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association.
• More than 2 lakh beneficiaries, mainly small farmers, have received over 8.3 crore high-quality planting materials.
• Over 200 nurseries for improved rubber clones have been developed under the project to supply planting stock and support replacement of low-yielding varieties.
• The project area covers 113 districts across North-East India and West Bengal, regions favorable for rubber cultivation due to suitable rainfall, humidity, and temperature.
• Despite COVID-19 disruptions, nearly 90% of the plantation target was achieved by mid-2026.
• The next phase is the Rs 145-crore INROAD Skilling and Production Efficiency Enhancement Drive (iSPEED), which includes model smokehouses, post-harvest infrastructure, and technical training to improve latex quality and production efficiency.
• On completion, the project is projected to increase the North-East’s share in India’s natural rubber output from 15% to 40-45%, with expected annual output around 3 lakh tonnes of rubber.

Background & Context

Natural rubber is derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, primarily used as an industrial raw material in tyre manufacturing. India is a significant consumer of natural rubber but has historically relied on imports to meet demand. The North-East region, due to its ideal agro-climatic conditions, has emerged as a major rubber-growing area, enabling expansion of plantations. The Indian Rubber Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the statutory authority responsible for promoting rubber cultivation and development in India. Project INROAD aims to enhance domestic rubber production by supporting small farmers and providing improved planting materials.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Project INROAD is relevant for topics covering government initiatives in agriculture, industrial raw materials, and allied industries like tyre manufacturing. Key factual details including the project's launch year (2021-22), financial outlay (Rs 1,100 crore), geographic focus (North-East India and West Bengal), and implementation partners are important for objective questions. Understanding the significance of natural rubber cultivation, role of the Rubber Board of India, and strategies to improve supply and reduce imports aligns with broader themes in economic development and sectoral policy.

Points to Remember

• Project INROAD stands for Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development, launched in 2021-22.
• It aims to expand natural rubber plantations over 2 lakh hectares across 113 districts in North-East India and West Bengal.
• The Rubber Board of India implements the scheme, with financial backing from prominent tyre manufacturers.
• By mid-July 2026, 1.8 lakh hectares of new plantations were created, benefiting over 2 lakh small farmers.
• More than 200 nurseries supply improved rubber clones of Hevea brasiliensis, enhancing productivity.
• The next phase, iSPEED, will focus on improving production efficiency, latex quality, and post-harvest infrastructure.
• The project seeks to raise the North-East's share in national natural rubber output from 15% to 40-45%, producing about 3 lakh tonnes annually.
• India's natural rubber production is closely linked to the tyre industry, and expansion reduces import dependency.
• The Rubber Board operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and supports growers through various initiatives including Project INROAD.