"Konkan Region Rising as Key Hub for Natural Rubber Production"

Following the North-East, the Konkan belt in Maharashtra is set to emerge as a major hub for natural rubber production, attributed to its favorable climate and soil conditions.

Shashi Singh, President of the All India Rubber Industries Association, highlighted that the area dedicated to natural rubber cultivation in Maharashtra has seen a steady increase, growing from 2,090 hectares in 2013-14 to 2,740 hectares in 2021-22. The average yield in 2022-23 was reported at 1,482 kg per hectare.

Despite this growth, Maharashtra lacks state-specific subsidies similar to those available in Kerala. Singh noted that implementing financial incentives and subsidies for farmers could help offset initial costs and accelerate the expansion of rubber cultivation in the region.

Natural rubber cultivation offers multiple benefits, including diversifying Konkan's agricultural landscape, traditionally dominated by rice, mangoes, and coconuts, and enhancing economic resilience. Increased production could also help bridge the gap between demand and supply, reducing the need for expensive rubber imports.

Singh emphasized the importance of collaboration among major tyre companies and stakeholders in the rubber industry to drive production. With appropriate government support, private sector involvement, and farmer empowerment, the initiative could boost local economies, create jobs, and establish Maharashtra as a key player in the natural rubber industry.

In response to this potential, Rubber Board officials have introduced a subsidy scheme under the Natural Rubber Mission, offering ₹50,000 per hectare to encourage rubber farming in non-traditional areas such as Karnataka and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

HBL