‘iSPEED’ initiative launched to upskill 2 lakh rubber growers in the Northeast
In a major development aimed at strengthening India’s natural rubber ecosystem, a new initiative focussed on enhancing rubber quality has been launched under Tyre Industry's ongoing Project INROAD. The initiative is titled INROAD Skilling and Production Efficiency Enhancement Drive with an acronym iSPEED.
INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) is a first of its kind project in the world where the tyre industry is contributing directly towards development of new rubber plantations besides improving the quality of processed rubber in India’s Northeast involving an investment of Rs 1100 crore. The project is financially supported by 4 members of Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) including Apollo, Ceat, JK and MRF and implemented by the Rubber Board of India.
iSPEED, a ₹145 crore initiative within INROAD is a five-year commitment to directly benefit over 2 lakh smallholder rubber farmers and nursery owners across the Northeastern states and West Bengal by imparting structured skill training, deploying modern infrastructure, and improving quality standards at source.
“With iSPEED, we are investing in the knowledge and capabilities of India’s rubber growers,” said Mr. Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA and Vice Chairman & Managing Director MRF Ltd. “The Indian Tyre Industry is proud to support a model that empowers smallholders with scientific know-how, sustainable practices, and shared infrastructure. It’s a step towards true rubber self-reliance.”
Rubber cultivation in the Northeast has grown significantly under the INROAD Project, with over 1.36 lakh new growers taking up plantation in the past four years. However, limited access to scientific tapping techniques, quality processing infrastructure, and disease management continues to impact yields.
To address these gaps, iSPEED will support the deployment of:
- 3,000 smokehouses for high-quality sheet production
- 3,000 sheet rolling machines, including manual and motorised units
- Model nurseries and demonstration units across key field stations
- Processing and grading centres for post-harvest management
- A network of lead farmers to support community-based knowledge transfer
“With INROAD laying the foundation, iSPEED will bring the momentum,” said Mr. Pravin Tripathi, Chairman, INROAD. “We are building rural infrastructure and skilling models that will outlast the project cycle and create sustainable value for growers.”
ATMA Chairman launched the initiative formally by inaugurating a few smokehouses in Tripura and Assam tailor made for the region and created using local materials. Since the majority of the beneficiaries of the project are small landholders with holdings of less than one acre, INROAD is encouraging group approach for creating infrastructure so that the entire community is empowered.
Rubber smokehouses are vital for producing high-quality rubber sheets by drying and curing latex, the milky substance that is tapped skilfully from the rubber trees.
The Rubber Board will be the primary implementation partner, supported by regional institutions like Tripura University and other domain experts.
Expected Outcomes of iSPEED
- Improved productivity in rubber plantations
- Enhanced quality of RSS-4 grade rubber at farm-gate level
- Better pricing and improved incomes for growers
- Promotion of sustainable tapping, intercropping, and effluent management
- Formation of a trained local workforce aligned with global best practices
