Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations

  • March 9, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geography 

Why in News

  • The Rubber Board is set to launch the geo-mapping of rubber plantations in Kerala next week. This initiative aims to improve market access for growers and help them secure better prices for their produce.

Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations:

  • The Rubber Board is undertaking the digital mapping of plantations to document essential details such as land ownership, area, and plantation boundaries.
  • It aligns with the EUDR, which mandates that all commodities entering the EU market must be free from deforestation post-December 31, 2020, and comply with local environmental regulations.
  • The initiative includes supply chain mapping, development of a traceability system, and geo-mapping of plantations. These measures guarantee the origin of rubber and ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.
  • A due diligence certificate will be issued based on risk assessment and legality analysis.

Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Certification:

  • The iSNR framework offers free certification to farmers and growers.
  • The iSNR certification ensures that natural rubber meets sustainability standards.
  • It is a mandatory requirement for rubber products to be marketed in compliance with the EUDR regulations.

About Rubber:

  • Polymer of isoprene, an organic compound obtained from latex of a tropical tree Hevea Brasiliensis.
  • Soil type: Well drained and well weathered soils, e.g. Laterite, alluvial and sedimentary type soils.
  • Evenly distributed rainfall with at least 100 rainy days, temperature range should be 20-34oC.
  • Humidity of around 80%, 2000 hrs of sunshine and absence of strong winds.
  • World’s major producer: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
    • India: Kerala (.75% of total production), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
    • Tripura, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa etc are some other rubber-producing States.
    • India is the 3rd largest producer and 4th largest consumer of natural rubber in the world. India imports 40% of its total rubber consumption.
  • The first rubber plantations in India were set up in 1895 on the hill slopes of Kerala. However, rubber cultivation on a commercial scale was introduced in 1902.
  • Natural rubber is preferred over synthetic rubber due to its high tensile strength and vibration-dampening properties, along with tear resistance. This makes it important for the construction and automobile industries.
  • Rubber Board:
    • Established: 1955
    • HQ: Kottayam, Kerala
    • Under: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Rubber board is responsible for the development of the rubber industry in India.
  • Rubber Research Institute (RRI) is under the Rubber Board.
Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations Geography