To promote the global value of Indian natural rubber and promoting sustainable production, Rubber Board has rolled out an initiative called iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber). The initiative has been designed to facilitate compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for Indian rubber ecosystem.
iSNR and Traceability
- The iSNR initiative facilitates compliance with the EUDR for the Indian rubber ecosystem.
- A traceability certificate issued via the iSNR platform will verify the origin of rubber products and confirm their compliance with EUDR standards.
INR Konnect Platform
- INR Konnect is a web-based platform designed to connect growers of untapped rubber holdings with adopters to enhance plantation productivity.
- The Rubber Board will certify all participating parties and provide training in production management and sustainable practices when necessary.
Challenges and Economic Factors
- Around 20-25% of India’s rubber plantations remain untapped due to low prices and high production costs.
- Natural rubber prices are determined in the open market based on global demand and supply, with international prices influencing domestic rates.
- The Indian government has raised import duties on dry rubber to regulate natural rubber imports.
Agricultural and Industrial Perspective
- Natural rubber cultivation is treated as an agricultural activity, but post-cultivation income is considered non-agricultural due to its exclusive industrial use.
- Natural rubber is not covered under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme in India.
About Natural Rubber
- The primary source of natural rubber is the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, native to the Amazon basin.
- The tree was introduced to Asia and Africa by the British in the 19th century and thrives in regions with well-distributed annual rainfall of about 200 cm.
- Latex, the economic produce, is collected through a controlled tapping process on the tree bark.
- The automobile industry consumes nearly 65% of natural rubber, making it the largest user.
(Source: Business Line)
