The state government in association with the Rubber Board has decided to set up two rubber nurseries in Maoist-affected areas of Rayagada and Koraput districts.
The nurseries will be set up over 500 acre at Gatiguda in Rayagada and Nisar in Koraput in the first phase. “For small and medium farmers, rubber plantation can be effectively used to counter insurgency or extremism. Like in Tripura, it could ultimately lead to socio-economic development of people living in the area,” said an officer in horticulture directorate.
The government is planning rubber plantation over 1,800 hectare in six years, benefitting 2,000 poor families. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 10,831 cr.
“Rubber plantation in Maoist-affected areas requires systematic planning involving locals as beneficiaries. It also requires a strong hand-holding of first-time farmers for 9 to 10 years so that substantial benefits are received from the plantation. Any failure in the initial period will result in failure of the project,” cautioned an officer from the Rubber Board.