Context:
The financial assistance for the Rubber sector under the ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector (SIDNRS)’ has been increased by 23% from Rs 576.41 crore to Rs 708.69 crore for the next 2 financial years (2024-25 and 2025-26).
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Dimensions of the Article:
- Sustainable and Inclusive Development in India’s Natural Rubber Sector
- Key Facts about Natural Rubber
- Rubber Board: Nurturing India’s Rubber Industry
Sustainable and Inclusive Development in India’s Natural Rubber Sector
- The SIDNRS scheme is a government initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development in India’s natural rubber sector.
- Launched in the fiscal year 2017-18, it is executed by the Rubber Board, a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Objectives:
- Enhance productivity and quality of natural rubber production.
- Encourage the adoption of sustainable rubber production practices.
- Improve the income and livelihoods of rubber growers.
- Generate employment opportunities within the rubber sector.
- Facilitate the development of the rubber-based industry.
Components of the Scheme:
- Financial assistance for replanting old and uneconomical rubber trees with high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
- Financial support for intercropping rubber with other crops like pineapple, banana, and cocoa to enhance soil fertility, conserve moisture, and provide additional income.
- Training and extension services for rubber growers on best practices in production, processing, and marketing.
- Financial aid for infrastructure development in rubber-growing areas, including roads, water harvesting structures, and processing units.
- Support for the establishment and expansion of rubber-based industries such as tire manufacturing, footwear manufacturing, and latex processing units.
Key Facts about Natural Rubber
Nature and Origin:
- Natural rubber is a crucial and versatile raw material obtained from the latex or milky sap of specific plant species, primarily the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
- The latex comprises various organic compounds, with polyisoprene being the primary component.
- Introduced to tropical Asia and Africa by the British Government in the late 19th century.
Growing Conditions:
- Ideal cultivation conditions include a tropical climate with 200 – 450 cm annual rainfall, deep and lateritic fertile soil (pH 4.5 to 6.0), and a minimum temperature of 25°C to a maximum of 34°C.
- Relative humidity of 80% is preferred, and regions prone to heavy winds should be avoided.
- Requires approximately 2000 hours of bright sunshine per annum.
Production and Consumption:
- India ranks as the world’s 6th largest producer and the second-largest consumer of natural rubber globally (after China).
- Thailand leads global natural rubber production, constituting about 35% in 2022.
- India is the 4th-largest producer in South Asia, following Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
- Approximately 40% of India’s total natural rubber consumption is met through imports.
Rubber Distribution:
- India has around 8.5 lakh hectares of rubber plantations.
- Major rubber-producing states include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and Assam.
- Kerala and the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu contribute nearly 5 lakh hectares, with Tripura adding around 1 lakh hectares.
Major Applications:
- Predominantly used in tire production due to its excellent grip and wear resistance, with the automobile industry consuming around 65%.
- Commonly found in shoe soles, providing cushioning and slip-resistant properties.
- Used in conveyor belts, hoses, machinery components, gloves, syringe plungers, medical equipment, balloons, erasers, household gloves, tennis balls, golf balls, and protective gear.
Rubber Board: Nurturing India’s Rubber Industry
Statutory Foundation:
- Established under Section (4) of the Rubber Act, 1947.
- Operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Leadership and Governance:
- Headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government.
- Comprises 28 members representing diverse interests within the natural rubber industry.
Operational Hub:
- The central office is situated in Kottayam, Kerala.
Key Responsibilities:
- Tasked with fostering the development of the rubber industry in India.
- Plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting research, development, extension, and training activities pertaining to rubber.
Mission:
- Aims to facilitate the growth and advancement of India’s rubber sector by providing essential support and guidance through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts.
-Source: The Hindu, Indian Express
