India's land resources department is promoting rubber plantation on a large scale in Nagaland in view of the high environmental and economic benefit. “Rubber is successfully cultivated in the foothill areas and valley lands of the state with excellent result,” according to the annual administrative report 2014-15 of the department of land resources. Presently, about 11,000 hectares of rubber plantations have been developed in the state with about 45 lakh standing tress at various stages of growth. The report stated that these plantations have been developed with the support of Rubber Board, State government and individual growers. The people of the State are highly motivated of the benefit of the crop and thus area under rubber is rapidly expanding year after year. The present production of dry rubber sheets stands at about 3,000 metric tons annually, which is steadily increasing, the report stated. As per the department’s estimate, the State has the overall potential of 3.60 lakh hectares for rubber plantation, out of which, about 1.00 lakh hectares, is targeted to be developed. During the 12th five year plan, it is targeted to cover 25,000 hectares. During 2014-15, a fund provision of Rs. 64.80 lakhs is earmarked for rubber development under the State plan (NABARD-RIDF-XVI), the report stated.

Source: Morung Express