Rubber is a extremely precious agricultural commodity extracted from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis timber. Identified for its distinctive properties, equivalent to elasticity, water resistance, and electrical non-conductivity, rubber finds functions in numerous sectors, together with insulation, waterproofing, and tire manufacturing.

Rubber cultivation is a vital contributor to the Indian economic system, offering farmers with worthwhile returns.

India ranks fourth in world rubber manufacturing, with Kerala and Tripura being the most important and second-largest rubber-producing states, respectively. In case you are contemplating cultivating rubber, listed below are some key factors to bear in mind.

Farming Strategies

Rubber is primarily grown on alluvial or loamy soil in sloping, undulating areas or barely elevated flat land terrains with good drainage techniques. Soil with a pH vary of 4.5 to six.0 is good for rubber plantation. The most effective time for planting is between June and July, with common irrigation being vital for optimum development.

Prime Rubber Cultivating States

Rubber cultivation in India is restricted to sure areas which are appropriate when it comes to local weather and topography. In response to the Rubber Board, Tripura has the most important space of rubber cultivation, with about 89,264 hectares, adopted by Assam with 58,000 hectares, Meghalaya with 17,000 hectares, Nagaland with 15,000 hectares, Manipur with 4,200 hectares, Mizoram with 4,070 hectares and Arunachal Pradesh with 5,820 hectares.

Prime Export Locations

Rubber is a precious plant that’s exported to quite a few international locations equivalent to Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Belgium, China, Italy, America, Pakistan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nepal, and Sweden as a consequence of its wide selection of makes use of. India exported greater than 12,000 metric tonnes of pure rubber in 2020.

One-time Funding

Along with the rubber itself, the rubber tree produces a substance known as rubber milk or latex, which might be processed into high-quality rubber. Rubber is used within the manufacturing of footwear, tires, engine seals, balls, elastic bands, and electrical gear. Rubber cultivation is a one-time funding that may end up in a revenue for as much as 40 years.

Authorities Monetary Help for Rubber Farming

Farmers engaged in rubber cultivation can obtain monetary help from each the Central authorities and the World Financial institution. Rubber timber can develop as much as 43 meters in top within the wild, however the ones grown for business functions are usually shorter. With rubber farming, farmers can count on a considerable yield. b b

First printed on: 19 Apr 2023, 12:15 IST