Kochi: As the rubber cultivation activities under the INROAD project in the northeastern states are being successfully completed, a new awareness video series has been launched to promote better production and processing practices ahead of the next phase. This initiative is part of the joint venture ‘ISPEED’ (INROAD Skilling and Production Efficiency Enhancement Drive) by INROAD and the Rubber Board, under which a comprehensive skill development programme worth ₹150 crore is being implemented. Approximately three lakh rubber farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative.
The video series, which covers topics such as rubber tapping, rain guarding, grading, sheet making, and scientific smokehouses, was released by Rubber Board Executive Director M. Vasanthagesan. Rubber Production Commissioner Dr. Siju T. Nair, along with Rubber Board officials and representatives from the tyre industry, attended the function.
To ensure faster dissemination of information among farmers, the videos have been prepared in four languages—Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi. The content has been developed with technical support from the Rubber Board and the Rubber Research Institute, combining animation with live-action visuals. INROAD Project Chairman Mohan Kurien, ATMA Supply Chain Group Convener Sanjeev Saxena, and Project Coordinator Muraligopal stated that this awareness initiative will help improve productivity through scientific methods and ensure better pricing for rubber.
With the support of leading companies such as Apollo Tyres, CEAT, JK Tyre, and MRF, new rubber plantations are being developed across 1.8 lakh hectares in 113 districts of northeastern India under the INROAD project.
