Rubber is a highly valuable agricultural commodity extracted from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis trees. Known for its unique properties, such as elasticity, water resistance, and electrical non-conductivity, rubber finds applications in various sectors, including insulation, waterproofing, and tire manufacturing.
Rubber cultivation is an important contributor to the Indian economy, providing farmers with profitable returns.
India ranks fourth in global rubber production, with Kerala and Tripura being the largest and second-largest rubber-producing states, respectively. If you are considering cultivating rubber, here are some key points to keep in mind.
Farming Techniques
Rubber is primarily grown on alluvial or loamy soil in sloping, undulating regions or slightly elevated flat land terrains with good drainage systems. Soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0 is ideal for rubber plantation. The best time for planting is between June and July, with regular irrigation being necessary for optimum growth.
Top Rubber Cultivating States
Rubber cultivation in India is limited to certain regions that are suitable in terms of climate and topography. According to the Rubber Board, Tripura has the largest area of rubber cultivation, with about 89,264 hectares, followed 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.
Top Export Places
Rubber is a valuable plant that is exported to numerous countries such as Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, Belgium, China, Italy, America, Pakistan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Nepal, and Sweden due to its wide range of uses. India exported more than 12,000 metric tonnes of natural rubber in 2020.
One-time Investment
In addition to the rubber itself, the rubber tree produces a substance called rubber milk or latex, which can be processed into high-quality rubber. Rubber is used in the manufacturing of shoes, tires, engine seals, balls, elastic bands, and electrical equipment. Rubber cultivation is a one-time investment that can result in a profit for up to 40 years.
Government Financial Aid for Rubber Farming
Farmers engaged in rubber cultivation can receive financial assistance from both the Central government and the World Bank. Rubber trees can grow up to 43 meters in height in the wild, but the ones grown for commercial purposes are typically shorter. With rubber farming, farmers can expect a substantial yield. b b
