What is the Rubber Board?

The Rubber Board is a statutory body constituted under the Rubber Act 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in the country.
The Board has a Chairman appointed by the Central Government.
The Executive Director who is the administrative head of the Board exercises control over all the Departments/Divisions.
Head Office is in Kottayam, Kerala.
The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) established in 1955 is located on a hillock in the eastern suburb of Puthuppally, Kottayam, eight kilometres from the town.
- There are nine research disciplines, seven Regional Research Stations, two Hevean Breeding Sub-stations and a Central Experimental Station attached to the RRII.
- The Institute is headed by the Director (Research).
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): 100% FDI in plantations of rubber, coffee, tea, cardamom, palm oil tree and olive oil tree.

Structure:
- The Board is headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government.
- It has 28 members representing various interests of the natural rubber industry.

Government Initiative for Rubber:

Rubber Act, 1947

The Rubber Act was adopted in 1947, assigning the Rubber Board the task of promoting natural rubber.
The Rubber sector has witnessed significant growth, with 13.2 lakh small cultivating units and 8.22 lakh hectares of cultivation.
The Rubber Act is crucial for the functioning of the Rubber Board and its responsibilities.
It includes provisions for licensing schemes, extension services, replanting initiatives, research activities, subsidies, import and export controls, and other support systems.
The Act enables the Rubber Board to regulate and support the natural rubber industry effectively.

Rubber plantation Development Scheme

The Rubber Board has implemented a program in the North East region to promote systematic rubber planting.
The program focuses on supporting additional planting and replanting of old and unprofitable plantations.
It has been in operation since 1980 and has covered approximately 298,018 hectares of land.
The program has benefitted around 500,000 small and large rubber growers.
The aim is to enhance the productivity and profitability of rubber cultivation in the North East region.

Rubber Group planting Scheme

The Rubber Board has implemented a program in collaboration with state-level Rubber Grower’s Societies or Rubber Producer’s Societies.
The program aims to address various issues faced by small and marginal rubber growers by bringing them under a single organization.
The societies are responsible for coordinating with technical officers, procuring plantation materials, establishing poly-bag nurseries, and conducting pre-planting operations.
The objective is to reduce cultivation and production costs while increasing output and productivity for the benefit of all society members.
The program seeks to enhance the profitability and efficiency of rubber cultivation for small and marginal growers.

India’s National Rubber Policy

National Rubber Policy released in March 2019 by the Department of Commerce.
Aims: to support the Natural Rubber (NR) production sector and the rubber industry value chain.
Covers various aspects including new rubber planting and replanting, grower support, processing and marketing of natural rubber, labor shortage, grower forums, external trade, Center-State integrated strategies, research, training, manufacturing and export of rubber products, climate change concerns, and the carbon market.
Based on short- and long-term plans to address challenges faced by rubber growers.
Task Force on the Rubber Sector highlights the tactics to ease difficulties faced by rubber growers.
Rubber Board implements the Medium Term Framework (MTF) plan for Sustainable and Inclusive Development of the Natural Rubber Sector.
Research and development efforts conducted by the Rubber Board to support the NR sector.
Efforts include training and skill development programs, provision of high-quality planting materials, support for farmer forums, and financial and technical assistance for planting.

FAQs related with Rubber Board

Ques 1: What is the Rubber Board?

Answer: The Rubber Board is a statutory body established under the Rubber Act of 1947 in India. It is responsible for the development and promotion of the natural rubber industry in the country.

Ques 2: What are the functions of the Rubber Board?

Answer: The Rubber Board carries out various functions to support the natural rubber sector, including licensing of rubber dealers, promotion of rubber cultivation, research and development, quality control, market promotion, and providing financial and technical assistance to growers.

Ques 3: How does the Rubber Board support rubber growers?

Answer: The Rubber Board supports rubber growers through a range of initiatives, such as providing high-quality planting materials, offering training and skill development programs, facilitating access to financial and technical aid for cultivation, implementing replanting schemes, and addressing issues related to market access and productivity enhancement.

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