Guwahati, July 15 -- The Northeast has recorded its largest-ever expansion of natural rubber cultivation, with 1.79 lakh hectares of new plantations established across the region over the last five years under the Project INROAD initiative.

Launched in 2021-22, the Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD) has created 1.79 lakh hectares (1,79,376 hectares) of new rubber plantations across 113 districts in the Northeast, bringing the project close to its target of 2 lakh hectares.

Officials said this marks the fastest expansion of natural rubber plantations in India within such a short period.

The first-of-its-kind initiative is being implemented by the Rubber Board of India with financial support from four lead...