Media delegation visits NIRT and RRII in Kerala
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Imphal, February 24 2026: As part of the ongoing press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Imphal, a media delegation from Manipur visited the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) at Kottayam, Kerala on February 24, 2026 .

The delegation was welcomed and briefed by Dr Siju T, Rubber Production Commissioner, Rubber Board; Priya Varma, Director (Training), NIRT; and other officials.

During the interaction, Dr Siju highlighted the key functions of the Board and underscored its importance for the Nation, noting that India remains a rubber-deficient country.

He elaborated on the major departments of the Board, including the rubber production, research, training, market promotion, and labour welfare divisions.

An interactive session was also held, during which the officials responded to queries raised by members of the delegation.

The officials explained the different rubber clones recommended for various regions.

Among them, clone RRII 429, with a yield potential of 7.2 kg per tree per year, was highlighted as particularly suitable for Manipur.

Clones RRII 208, RRII 417, and RRII 600 were also recommended for the North Eastern region.

It was informed that NIRT has nodal centres at Agartala in Tripura and Hahara in Guwahati, Assam, with a proposed centre at Dimapur in Nagaland.

The delegation was apprised of the identified rubber-growing regions in India, with special focus on the North East, including Manipur.

The Board's efforts towards convergence with State Governments were also highlighted.

A collaborative project with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in the North East aims to develop 2,00,000 hectares of rubber plantations from 2021 to 2026, of which 1.80 lakh hectares have already been planted by 2025.The INROAD project implemented in Manipur was also discussed, under which 6,534.41 hectares have been planted, benefiting 4,404 farmers between 2021 and 2025.Suitable areas identified by the Rubber Research Institute of India for rubber plantation in Manipur include Chandel, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong, Noney, Churachandpur, parts of Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Senapati, as well as Thoubal, Kakching, Pherzawl, and Bishnupur districts.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), where they toured various research facilities.

The team also visited the International Hevea Clone Museum, which serves as a repository of advanced genetic resources.

Officials informed that India is a signatory to the international clone exchange programme.

The research carried out at the institute plays a vital role in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant rubber clones.

Later, the delegation experienced a houseboat ride in Kumarakom, gaining exposure to Kerala's unique backwater tourism and cultural heritage.

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