Rubber Development in Arunachal Pradesh

Introduction

Rubber cultivation has emerged as one of the promising avenues for diversifying agriculture and strengthening the rural economy of Arunachal Pradesh. With suitable climatic conditions, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, the state holds significant potential to become a hub for natural rubber production in Northeast India.

The Department of Trade & Commerce has been actively promoting rubber plantations as part of its broader strategy to generate employment, reduce shifting cultivation, and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

Why Rubber?

• Agro-climatic suitability: High rainfall and warm climate provide an ideal environment.

• Income diversification: Provides a steady source of cash income for farmers beyond subsistence crops.

• Employment generation: Large-scale plantations create job opportunities, particularly for rural youth and women.

• Industrial demand: Natural rubber is a critical raw material for tyres, footwear, automotive parts, and industrial goods.

• Environmental benefits: Rubber trees improve green cover, help reduce soil erosion, and enhance carbon sequestration.

Government Initiatives

The Department of Trade & Commerce, in collaboration with the Rubber Board of India, has rolled out targeted initiatives to promote rubber cultivation:

1. Awareness and Training Programs

   • Educating farmers on best practices in planting, tapping, and processing.

   • Introducing modern techniques for disease management and yield improvement.

2. Distribution of Quality Planting Materials

   • Supply of high-yielding rubber clones suitable for local conditions.

3. Financial and Technical Support

   • Assistance schemes to cover costs of plantation establishment.

   • Field-level guidance from experts for farmers adopting rubber cultivation.

4. Cluster Development Approach

   • Promotion of rubber cultivation in identified belts to ensure economies of scale.

   • Encouraging farmer cooperatives and SHGs to take up plantation collectively.

Current Status in Arunachal Pradesh

• Pilot Plantations have been established in select districts to assess growth performance.

• Farmers’ interest has steadily increased, with more SHGs and individuals adopting rubber cultivation as a commercial venture.

• Collaboration with the Rubber Board of India has accelerated skill-building and provided farmers with technical handholding.

Opportunities Ahead

The state envisions:

• Expanding rubber plantations across suitable districts.

• Setting up processing and value-addition units (sheet rubber, latex products).

• Linking local rubber farmers with tyre and footwear industries to ensure assured markets.

• Positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a rubber trade and export hub in Northeast India.

Conclusion

Rubber cultivation is not only transforming the agricultural landscape but also opening new opportunities for trade, employment, and industrial growth in Arunachal Pradesh. With continuous support from the government and institutions, the sector is poised to contribute significantly to the state’s economy while empowering its farming communities.