Staff Reporter,
Guwahati, February 23: Nearly 70000 hectares of land has been brought under natural rubber plantation under the INROAD project in 3 years. This represents one of the highest new plantations ever achieved in the Northeast in a block of 3 years. In tune with the spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' , INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development), a project for supporting development of 2 Lakh hectares of rubber plantations in North East is being undertaken under active mentoring of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. INROAD is the first such project in the world where the natural rubber consuming industry (tyre sector) has come forward to partner with Government agencies and fund the plantation of Natural Rubber (NR). Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), the august body of tyre manufacturers in the country has collaborated with Rubber Board of India for the project.In the process, over 3 crore trees have been planted so far under the project benefitting nearly 80000 beneficiaries across 93 districts in North-eastern states. The INROAD project has led to rejuvenation of nurseries in the region. Currently the planting material is being procured from 81 certified nurseries. “As against the target of 80000 ha of plantation in the first three years of the INROAD project, nearly 70000 ha or 86% of the Project target has been achieved despite post-Covid and logistics challenges. That is a testament to the commitment shown by 4 leading tyre companies in financially supporting the project and hard work of Rubber Board as the implementing agency”, said Anshuman Singhania, Chairman ATMA. India’s improved global ranking in the Automotive sector augurs well for the stakeholder value chain, including the domestic tyre industry and NR sector. However, the NR demand–supply gap in India continues to be high. At present, nearly 40% of the NR requirement is met through imports. It is estimated that by 2030, the country would require about 20 Lakh tonnes of NR per year. The INROAD project will help meet some of the growing requirements within the country- a release stated.
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