The rubber cultivation in Nagaland is set for a major transformation. On January 9, 2026, the Rubber Board of India (RBI) and the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Government of Nagaland, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement establishes a Nodal Centre for the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) at Rüzaphema, located in the Chümoukedima district.
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A Milestone for Rubber Cultivation in Nagaland
This strategic partnership aims to unlock the state’s massive agricultural potential. Officials signed the MoU during the NIRT Silver Jubilee celebrations at the Rubber Research Institute in Kottayam, Kerala. The ceremony took place in the presence of Union Minister George Kurian and other high-ranking dignitaries.
The new Nodal Centre will serve as a hub for skill development. It will provide local farmers with modern scientific techniques to improve their yield. Currently, Nagaland possesses over 4 lakh hectares of land suitable for rubber. However, farmers have developed only about 20,000 hectares so far. This Nodal Centre will help bridge that gap by offering structured training and research support.
Strengthening the Three Es: Ecology, Employment, and Economy
The Nagaland government views this collaboration as a way to advance the “three Es.” By focusing on rubber cultivation in Nagaland, the state hopes to achieve:
- Ecology: Promoting sustainable land use and environmental conservation.
- Employment: Generating new jobs for rural youth and local tappers.
- Economy: Boosting rural incomes through high-quality latex production and market-linked growth.
The Department of Land Resources expressed gratitude for the Rubber Board’s support. They noted that the partnership reflects a deep concern for the welfare of rural communities. The Nodal Centre will specifically address the skill shortage in the plantation and processing sectors.
Training for a Sustainable Future
The NIRT Nodal Centre will offer various programs to empower stakeholders. These initiatives will ensure that rubber cultivation in Nagaland meets international quality standards. The training will cover:
- Scientific Tapping: Teaching farmers how to extract latex without damaging the trees.
- Post-Harvest Management: Providing skills for processing rubber sheets and using smokehouses.
- Entrepreneurship: Helping young people start their own rubber-based businesses.
By integrating these modern practices, Nagaland aims to reduce India’s dependence on rubber imports. This MoU strengthens a long-standing relationship between the state and the Rubber Board. It ensures a brighter, more self-reliant future for the farmers of Chümoukedima and beyond.
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