In an exclusive interview with Business Northeast, Dr. Sawar Dhanania, Chairman of the Rubber Board, discussed the organization's initiatives and plans for the development of the rubber industry in the northeast region. Here are the key excerpts from the interview:

BNE: Please tell us about the Rubber Board.
Chairman: The Rubber Board has been actively involved in its activities for the past 50 years. We have a General Office, a Research Station, and a Regional office. Additionally, we have several other offices spread throughout the northeast region. In Tripura, we have a zonal office, research station, and center. Our ambitious plan is to cultivate 2 lakh hectares of land for rubber plantation within five years. We have already completed two years, and as part of this initiative, we provide free planting material to the growers.

BNE: Can you please tell us about Vibrant Northeast?
Chairman: Vibrant Northeast was a vibrant event organized by Dr. Khan, Head of the Centre for Agriculture Research and Development (CARD) in New Delhi. The event aimed to bring together people linked to agriculture and projects interested in working in the northeast region to make it vibrant. We are already witnessing significant progress. The Rubber Board is optimistic, and we have already initiated various projects. The Prime Minister sends one or two cabinet ministers every month to ensure that the northeast region reaches the level of other developed states.

BNE: What is the production of rubber across India?
Chairman: Rubber production across India is currently 8 lakh tonnes, which is the highest number we have achieved so far. However, the demand for rubber exceeds the supply, as we consume about 12.5 lakh tonnes. To address this shortage, the Rubber Board is actively involved in replantation work, both in Kerala and the northeast.

BNE: What is the difference in rubber production between India, other countries, and the northeast region?
Chairman: In terms of production, rubber is comparable both within India and internationally. However, the quality of the product can vary based on processing capacity and efficiency. To improve quality, we have engaged with organizations like NABARD who are supporting us and the growers. They are involved in manufacturing good dryers and rubber products that are produced in the northeast as well.

BNE: What is the total rubber production in the Northeast, and what is its contribution to Indian production?
Chairman: In the Northeast, rubber production is approximately 1.5 lakh tonnes, contributing 20 percent to the total rubber production in India. The rubber produced in the northeast is exported to other parts of India, as there is no consumption or value addition happening in the region. Companies come to the northeast to procure rubber.

BNE: What challenges does the Rubber Board face, and how do they compare to those in the northeast?
Chairman: One challenge we face is farmers demanding higher prices. The government is working to address this by increasing the prices. This challenge is common both for the Rubber Board and the northeast region.

BNE: What is the cost of rubber production in the northeast, and how does it differ from other regions?
Chairman: The cost of rubber production in the northeast is relatively lower compared to other regions. Traditional areas have even lower costs, amounting to less than 25 percent. This cost advantage makes the northeast an attractive region for rubber production.

BNE: What is the difference in the quality of rubber between Kerala and Assam?
Chairman: The quality of rubber depends on processing methods. Dryer companies also source rubber from the northeast, indicating that the quality is at par with Kerala. It all comes down to processing abilities and efficiencies. The more quality-conscious the northeastern states become quality conscious the less is the problem.

BNE: What things can be done with value addition if rubber is concerned?
Chairman: Lot of things can be done. About 30,000 things can be done from rubber is concerned. There are consumer products like chappal, hoses, gas pipes, raincoats, apparels. Some mechanised machines that can be used to various products. A lot of interest has been shown by the entrepreneurs of the northeast.

BNE: What are the plans for the northeast in matters of rubber production and commercialization in future?
Chairman: We are going for cultivation of 2 lakh hectares for cultivation. Almost 30,000 hectares have already been completed. This year we are hopeful for the completion of 50, 00 hectares. It would take five more years to cover. For this the plantation material will be given.

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