RUBBER INDUSTRY

RUBBER INDUSTRY

WHAT IS STATUS OF RUBBER INDUSTRY IN INDIA?

• India is the world’s largest producer.
• Third largest user.
• Annual growth rate of 8-9%.
• Rising foreign exchange reserves.
• Rapid expansion in capital markets.
• Huge FDI inflows.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS OF CULTIVATION OF RUBBER TREES?

• Well-drained and well-weathered soils required.
• Best soils- Lateritic, alluvial, sedimentary, and red soil.
• At least 100 rainy days a year.
• Temperature range of about 20 to 34°C.
• Around 80% humidity.
• 2000 hours of sunshine.
• Absence of strong winds.

WHERE IS RUBBER GROWING AREAS LOCATED?

• There are two main areas:

1. Traditional Areas
2. Non-traditional regions

• Traditional Areas

• Hinterlands of the southwest coast, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

• Non-traditional regions

• Coastal Karnataka, Goa, Konkan Region, coastal Andhra Pradesh, north east, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE RUBBER INDUSTRY?

• Decrease in rubber productivity.
• Drop in rubber prices.
• High labour costs.
• Tyre companies have competing interests.
• Unrestricted huge imports reducing domestic demand.