The Central Government, in partnership with India’s leading tire manufacturers, has embarked on an ambitious project to significantly boost rubber production in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region, aiming for national self-sufficiency in this critical raw material.
A key component of this initiative is a large, modern rubber nursery established in 2021 in the Jirang area (Umshru-Paham village) of Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. Developed by Omega Green Solutions under the guidance of the Central Rubber Board, this 40-hectare nursery serves as a vital hub for high-quality saplings.
The project has received substantial backing, with the country’s top four tire manufacturing companies, represented by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), investing ₹1100 crore. This collaboration, known as the INROAD project, aims to develop extensive rubber plantations across the Northeast, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
On Tuesday, M. Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Central Rubber Board, and Arun Mammen, Chairman of ATMA, visited the Omega Green Solutions nursery to review its progress.
Mr. Vasanthagesan highlighted the project’s potential impact, stating, “Through this ambitious project, several hundred unemployed youth in the region will gain employment, and it will also make a significant contribution to rubber production.”
Mr. Mammen added that the initiative benefits the entire Northeast region, not just Assam. The immediate target is to establish rubber cultivation on 3,000 hectares, contributing towards a larger goal of making India self-sufficient for its tire industry’s rubber needs and reducing import dependency.
Local communities are expected to see significant economic benefits, although it will take approximately seven years after planting saplings from the nursery before rubber can be harvested. The success of this large-scale project is anticipated to usher in substantial opportunities and foster self-reliance for residents across the Northeast.
