Arunachal Rubber Man Ojing Aje: The Pioneer Who Sparked Arunachal’s Rubber Farming Movement

Ojing Aje, popularly known as the “Rubber Man of Arunachal”, has emerged as one of the state’s leading agri-pioneers for introducing natural rubber cultivation in East Siang district and encouraging farmers to adopt the crop as a viable livelihood option. Aje, a resident of Ngorlung village, began experimenting with rubber cultivation in 1996, when the crop was virtually unknown in the area. His plantation entered production by 2002, making it one of the earliest successful rubber ventures in the state. Over the years, he expanded cultivation and trained farmers in tapping, processing and plantation management. A DD News Arunachal team recently visited his plantation to understand the cultivation, tapping and processing methods. The team also spoke with Aje about the growth of rubber cultivation and how the crop has helped farmers generate income and local employment. Aje has been associated with several community and agricultural bodies. In 2017, he was appointed a member of the National Board of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). He also serves as a director of East Siang Rubber Pvt Ltd, a company established to support rubber growers in the region. Officials from the Rubber Board and the agriculture department have often cited Aje’s work as a model for long-term income generation. Inspired by his success, several farmers and young entrepreneurs across nearby districts have taken up rubber cultivation in the last decade. Agriculture experts say rubber has strong potential in the foothill and mid-altitude belts of Arunachal Pradesh, and Aje’s early initiative has helped build confidence among growers looking for stable, long-term cash-crop options.