Best UPSC Academy in Hyderabad

Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

21-January-2025-Editorial

January 21 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

INDIA’S RUBBER INDUSTRY

The Indian rubber industry is taking significant steps to strengthen its global position and boost domestic production. The launch of initiatives like the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) and INR Konnect Platform aligns with the National Rubber Policy (NRP) 2019, which aims to create an environmentally friendly and globally competitive rubber sector.

Recent Initiatives in India’s Rubber Industry

Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Initiative

  • Launched to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
  • Ensures traceability by providing certificates verifying origin and compliance.
  • Aims to make Indian natural rubber more sustainable and competitive in the international market.

INR Konnect Platform

  • A web-based platform to increase productivity by linking growers with potential adopters.
  • Targets unused plantations, especially those owned by absentee landlords.
  • Addresses challenges like price fluctuations and high operational costs.

mRube Digital Platform

  • A digital marketplace launched by the Rubber Board.
  • Enhances marketing and trade efficiency within the rubber industry.

Increase in Subsidies

  • The government is planning to enhance subsidies for rubber cultivation to support farmers.

European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

Overview

  • A regulatory framework introduced by the European Commission to combat global deforestation linked to supply chains.
  • Ensures that products entering the EU market do not originate from recently deforested lands.

Objectives

  • Prevent deforestation by ensuring commodities meet sustainability standards.
  • Reduce carbon emissions by 32 million metric tonnes annually.
  • Control forest degradation caused by agricultural expansion.

Covered Commodities

  • Includes rubber, cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, and related products.

Challenges for India

  • Seen as a non-tariff barrier due to strict certification requirements.
  • Adds compliance burdens, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • Affects ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

Rubber Board of India

  • Established under the Rubber Act, 1947, to oversee the development of the rubber industry.
  • Functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
  • Headquarters located in Kottayam, Kerala.
  • Rubber Research Institute operates under its purview.

Key Facts About Rubber

General Information

  • Derived from the latex of rubber trees, primarily Hevea Brasiliensis.
  • Mainly composed of polyisoprene.
  • Native to the Amazon rainforest.

Production

  • India ranks third globally in natural rubber production and fourth in consumption.
  • Kerala is the leading producer, followed by Tripura and other northeastern states.

Climatic Requirements

  • Grows well in temperatures between 20°-35°C with annual rainfall above 200 cm.
  • Prefers loamy or laterite soil and requires skilled labor.

Trade Scenario

  • Major export destinations include the USA, Germany, UAE, UK, and Bangladesh.
  • Imports come primarily from Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan.

National Rubber Policy (NRP) 2019

Purpose

  • Supports production, processing, consumption, and export of rubber.

Objectives

  • Develop the rubber value chain from cultivation to manufacturing.
  • Expand rubber plantations in new regions.
  • Enhance productivity and quality standards.
  • Strengthen rubber product manufacturing for exports.

Policy Interventions

  • Recognition of rubber as an agricultural product to benefit from existing policies.
  • Target of 2 million tonnes of natural rubber production by 2030.
  • Alignment of production and processing activities to enhance supply.

Government Initiatives for Rubber Production

  • Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector (SIDNRS)
  • Rubber Plantation Development Scheme
  • Rubber Group Planting Scheme
  • 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Rubber Plantation
  • National Rubber Policy 2019

Steps to Enhance Rubber Production in India

  • Land Diversification: Promote mixed farming with rubber and other crops, particularly in northeastern states.
  • Scientific Farming: Use high-yielding varieties and advanced plantation techniques to improve productivity.
  • Research and Development: Focus on disease-resistant, climate-resilient, and high-yield rubber varieties.
  • Efficient Tapping Techniques: Train workers in modern tapping methods to enhance latex yield and quality.
  • Market Expansion: Facilitate access to international markets for rubber and rubber-based products.

Conclusion

India’s rubber sector is evolving through initiatives like iSNR, INR Konnect, and mRube, in alignment with the National Rubber Policy 2019. These efforts focus on increasing production, ensuring sustainability, and enhancing competitiveness while overcoming challenges related to compliance and market access.

Details

Date:
January 21
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
error: Content is protected !!