The Rubber Board will begin geo-mapping of rubber plantations in Kerala soon.

Significance of Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations

• Key step in certifying natural rubber under the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) framework. Aligns Indian rubber production with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
• Rubber growers expect better prices and enhanced market access through this initiative.

About Rubber

• Rubber is an elastic material that deforms under force and regains its shape when released.
• Made of polymers of isoprene and other organic compounds.

• Types of Rubber:
• • Natural Rubber: Derived from latex of rubber trees.
  • Synthetic Rubber: Man-made rubber produced through chemical processes.

About Natural Rubber

• Natural Rubber is extracted from latex of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis),  a milky fluid containing proteins, starch, and alkaloids.
• Hevea brasiliensis is  native to the Amazon Basin, introduced to Asia and Africa by the British in the late 19th century.
• Growth Factors for Rubber Plantation: 
  • Temperature: Requires 20°-35°C, ideally 27°C.
  • Soil: Prefers loamy or laterite soil with good drainage.
  • Rainfall: Needs 200 cm+ rainfall annually.
• Properties:
  • Latex Composition: Up to 40% natural rubber, rest is water and other elements.
  • Vulcanization: Combining natural rubber with sulfur increases strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance.
• Uses of Natural Rubber:
  • 65% of natural rubber is used in the automobile industry for making tyres and tubes .
  • Used in shock absorption, vibration isolation, and road surfacing.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Rubber Production

Status of Rubber Production in India

• India is the 3rd largest producer and 4th largest consumer of natural rubber.
• India is the 5th largest consumer of natural and synthetic rubber combined.
• Kerala produces over 90% of India’s natural rubber.
• Northeast States of Tripura and Assam : Account for 16% of total rubber  production.

Global Scenario

• Thailand is the largest producer of Natural Rubber , followed by Indonesia.
• India’s Trade:
• • Imports: 5,28,677 tonnes (2022-23) (from Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, Japan).
  • Exports: 3,700 tonnes (2022-23) (major markets: USA, Germany, UAE, UK, Bangladesh).