Meghalaya expands rubber cultivation to 33,000 hectares

Meghalaya has significantly expanded its rubber cultivation, with approximately 23,106 hectares planted under the Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD) project between 2021 and 2025. The state’s total area under rubber has grown from roughly 10,000 hectares a decade ago to approximately 33,000 hectares today.

The INROAD project aims to develop 200,000 hectares across Northeast India, with Tripura and Assam currently leading in coverage. In Meghalaya, the state is working toward a target of 26,000 hectares under the specific project. To support this growth, the Rubber Board provides technical assistance through a regional office in Tura and eight field stations, primarily located in the Garo Hills.

Infrastructure improvements include the establishment of two Group Processing Centres at Mendipathar to facilitate the collective processing of latex into sheets. Additionally, efforts are underway to revive 2,000 to 3,000 hectares of previously unmanaged or untapped plantations. The sector is supported by Rubber Producers’ Societies, which help growers access technical assistance and marketing support.