The rubber tree, which grows naturally in the forests of Southern America, Western Africa, and Southeast Asia, offers a good opportunity for economic growth as well.
Here is entire rubber farming process and how much money you can make from it.
Rubber Plantation:
The tree has a dark brown bark with a bottle-shaped base that exudes a milky liquid called latex when a cut is made through it. Apart from three leaflet leaves, it also bears fruits, which are collected when ripe and used for sowing. Rubber trees that grow in the wild are usually 43 metres tall, whereas those grown for commercial purposes are comparatively shorter due to continuous latex withdrawal.
The plant has 8000 species and 280 genera, but only 9 varieties are known so far. Rubber hydrocarbons can be found in 25 to 40% of latex obtained from rubber trees.
Soil and Climatic Conditions Required for Rubber Farming
Tropical and subtropical weather conditions are thought to be ideal for rubber plantations. A rubber plant can grow in temperatures as low as 25 degrees Celsius and as high as 34 degrees Celsius. A region with 20,000mm of rainfall, 80 percent humidity, and moderate wind speed is ideal for the plantation. Experts believe that clayey soil with a pH level of 4 to 6 is ideal for rubber farming. Also, sunlight is another essential factor required for good growth of rubber trees. It needs at least 6 hours of sun presence every day.
Rubber Production in India
India produces 6 to 7 tonnes of raw rubber per year, valued at Rs 3,000 crore. The country contributes 9% of global output and is the world’s fourth-largest producer. In India, only a small amount of land is suitable for rubber plantation, despite the fact that production rates are high and small-scale producers contribute the most to the sector.
The South Western coasts, particularly parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are traditional rubber producers, with Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and North Eastern states also contributing.
Over the last decade, financial assistance from the central government and the World Bank has encouraged individual farmers as well as rural farmer groups to cultivate rubber, while technological advancements and the ease of access to information have opened newer avenues for producers to earn higher market profits.
Over 4 lakh women work in India’s rubber production sector, which is now enticing young minds and new age start-ups. The plantation also addresses an environmental concern; as natural rubber can be used as an alternative to various materials that are thought to be harmful to the environment.
Loan and Subsidies for rubber farming
The Government of India’s Rubber Production Department helps farmers and individuals interested in rubber plantation. It frequently issues advisories and news regarding its schemes and services. The department’s significant works include providing financial assistance to rubber producers, spreading awareness about technological
advancements and requirements, providing training, and conducting surveys.
Crop loans, subsidies, MSPs, and other benefits provided by the GOI to farmers involved in rubber plantation are also handled by the department. Individuals engaged in rubber farming can seek assistance from their local Rubber Production Department or NABARD office.
