Guwahati: The rubber industry in North East India is rapidly growing, with a turnover of Rs 2,300 crore per annum, as more areas in different states of the region are being cultivated.

The Joint Rubber Production Commissioner for North East, Ms. Jayamol CL, recently spoke with Business-Northeast about the Rubber Board's strategies to develop the rubber market in the region.

Despite facing challenges such as limited dealers and fewer grade sheets, the Rubber Board has implemented various initiatives, including introducing an online trading platform and promoting intercropping, to improve the market and support the livelihoods of rubber growers.

The climatic conditions in NorthEast India are suitable for rubber plantation, making it a viable source of income and contributing significantly to the nation's economy.

BNE: What is the total land area allotted in the northeastern region for the rubber plantation?
Joint Production Commissioner: In NorthEast, the total area for rubber plantation is 1,93,930 hectares in which tapping area is 1,02,690 hectares and the total production is 1,29,810 MT. However, more areas will be taken up for rubber plantation as planned. Meanwhile the Rubber Board have also implemented a scheme called NE Mitra for a span of five years, during which we are planning to plant 2,00,000 (2 lakh) hectares of rubber trees.

BNE: What challenges are faced by the rubber growers in the market?
Joint Production Commissioner: Majority of the northeastern states produce five grade sheets. But, very few of them produce four grade sheets. However, the companies mostly require four grade sheets.
And secondly, northeastern states have very less dealers of rubber. Mizoram has only one dealer in rubber. So, if the growers there are producing sheets they have to travel at least 240 kms from Mizoram to Karimganj to sell, which adds to their expense. Moreover, the rubber growers in northeast are paid 30% less than the price paid to growers in Kerala.

BNE: What are the strategies taken up to improve the rubber market and overcome the challenges faced?
Joint Production Commissioner: Rubber Board provides free training to the rubber growers. And with more tyre companies entering the market here, we have introduced rubber producer societies (RPS) to these companies. The rubber growers provide sheets to the RPS and they in turn supply the good quality sheets to these tyre companies.
The Rubber Board has also introduced “mRube”, an online trading platform for rubber buyers and sellers to trade different grades of natural rubber. This new electronic marketing system complements the existing trade system of natural rubber with more market visibility.
With the introduction of this new e trade platform, northeastern region has contributed 40 percent of the total trade with 3,900 tonnes of natural rubber within a short span of time.

BNE: What kind of climatic conditions are suitable to grow rubber trees?
Joint Production Commissioner: Rubber tree grows in a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. 200 cm of rainfall is received annually, which adds to a good production if very well distributed. NorthEast India has a suitable climatic condition to grow rubber, except few of the high elevated regions.

BNE: How much is the northeastern region viable for rubber plantation?
Joint Production Commissioner: NorthEast India is 100 percent viable for rubber plantation. The Rubber Board provides all kinds of technical guidance to the rubber growers at any point from pre planting upto processing at free of cost. We also have our hands to the far-fetched areas of northeastern states. We also promote intercropping upto 4th year to fetch additional income for the rubber growers.
Moreover, rubber plantations are a good source of honey. Rearing honey bees can be another source of income for the growers. One hectare rubber plantation can accommodate 100 beehives which can produce upto 1000 kg honey per year. Rubber plantation is eco-friendly and the ecosystem is almost similar to natural forest in respect of bio mass production.
Thirdly, carbon trading is another known area of investment for the rubber growers and the formulations of guidance have already begun for this.

BNE: How much is the contribution of rubber plantation in NorthEast towards the nation’s economy?
Joint Production Commissioner: The overall turnover of rubber industry in India is estimated to be Rs. 1,25000 crores, providing employment to 5 lakh individuals.
During the last fiscal year, the value of natural rubber production in northeastern region was estimated as Rs. 2,300 crores. In one word, we can say that rubber plantation can be a livelihood to many.

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