The Rubber Board launched iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947 in Kottayam, Kerala.

• These initiatives aim to enhance global competitiveness and improve domestic productivity in the rubber sector.

About the Initiatives

iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber)

• Aim: To align Indian rubber production with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards.
• It features traceability certification to ensure compliance with EUDR and verify the origin of rubber products.
• It simplifies compliance for stakeholders targeting the European Union market.

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INR Konnect (Web-Based Platform)

• Objective: Connects owners of untapped rubber plantations with adopters to maximize productivity.
• Certified Network: Rubber Board certifies growers, adopters, and tappers for credibility.
• Training: Provides training in production management and sustainable practices.
• Database: Maintains a comprehensive list of certified tappers.

Status of India’s Rubber Sector

• Global Rank: In 2024 India occupies the fourth position with a production of approximately 911,000 metric tons of natural rubber.
• Top Producer: Kerala accounts for over 90% of India’s rubber production.
• Other States: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya also produce rubber.
• Challenges:
• 20-25% of plantations remain untapped.
• • Climate variations, such as torrential rains.
  • Concerns over EUDR implementation.

About Rubber Plantation

• Origin: Native to the Amazon River Basin and was introduced to Asia and Africa by the British.
• Rubber is a rainfed plantation crop (except in nurseries where it needs to be regularly
• irrigated).
  • For Example: Indonesian and Malaysian archipelagos and Southern Sri Lanka have the most ideal rainfall pattern for rubber cultivation
• Rubber Extraction: 
  • Obtained as latex, a milky fluid tapped from the tree bark.
  • Latex is processed to produce natural rubber.
• Climatic Conditions Required: 
  • Climate: Equatorial monsoon climate prevailing in the tropics in between 10 S and 8 N with annual rainfall of 200–300 cm.
  • Temperature: High temperatures ranging from 20°-35°C.
  • Soil: Deep, well-drained, lateritic soil with good water retention and organic matter.

About Rubber Board

• Establishment: The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted by the Government of India, under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
• Administrative Body: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Mandate: Ensures sustainable growth, supports stakeholders, and enhances the global competitiveness of Indian rubber.

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Key Initiatives for the Rubber Sector

• National Rubber Policy 2019: Focuses on sustainable and inclusive growth of the rubber industry.
• Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector Scheme: Encourages eco-friendly practices and sectoral growth.
• INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) Project: Aims to improve productivity and strengthen the supply chain.

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