Nagaland has a total rubber cultivation area of 29,794.39 hectares, with production reaching 13,617.21 metric tonnes (MT) as of March 31, according to the Rubber Board's regional office in Dimapur. The state recorded a productivity of 1,166.03 kg per hectare, with mature plantations accounting for 11,977.71 hectares and immature plantations covering 17,816.68 hectares.

The figures were presented to Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav during a review meeting at Lok Bhavan in Kohima, where the Rubber Board outlined the progress of rubber development initiatives across the state. The meeting covered the current status of plantations, production, infrastructure, farmer training and welfare measures being undertaken to strengthen the rubber sector.

The initiative is aimed at supporting sustainable cultivation and improving the livelihoods of rubber growers. The treatment has covered 171.15 hectares so far. The review meeting also examined challenges affecting the sector, including inadequate rural road connectivity, a shortage of skilled tappers, dependence on workers from outside the state, limited marketing infrastructure and wildlife-related damage to plantations.

The Rubber Board said addressing these constraints would be important for strengthening Nagaland's rubber sector and improving returns for growers.