If you want to move away from traditional farming and move towards a crop that will keep giving income for decades once planted, then Rubber Farming can be a great option. Many farmers in India are now getting attracted towards cash crops, and rubber is considered to be the most sustainable and profitable crop among them.
Once started with rubber farming, one can earn regular income for up to 40 years. This is the reason why farmers are now seeing it as a successful business along with farming.
Status Of Rubber Farming In India And Major States
The biggest centre of rubber production in India is Kerala, where the climate and soil are considered suitable for this cultivation. Tripura comes second in this region. Apart from this, rubber farming is also being done on a large scale in other states of Northeast India like Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Climate And Soil Required For Rubber Farming
Rubber farming requires special soil and weather. Deep red loamy soil containing laterite is considered most suitable, whose pH level should be between 4.5 to 6.0. Plants need more moisture and at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
It is very important to plant in the right season. June and July are considered the most ideal months. Plants need more water, so dry areas are not suitable for this.
Rubber Farming Process
Rubber is produced from the milk that comes out of the plant, i.e. latex. The bark of the tree is cut and that milk is collected, which is processed and converted into rubber sheets. This latex first goes through a chemical process, then it is dried and finally products like tires, tubes, balls, elastic bands are prepared from it.
Once the plant is five years old, latex starts coming out of it and it continues to produce continuously for the next several decades.
Government Assistance And Benefits Related To Rubber Farming
To promote rubber farming, financial assistance is given by both the central government and the World Bank. This makes it easier for farmers to start farming and also reduces the risk. This assistance can include the facility of distribution of seedlings, training, fertilizer, and equipment. The aim of this assistance is to boost production and help farmers in this sector. Rubber farming can be very profitable, as it continues to generate income for up to 40 years after the tree is ready.
Rubber trees generally mature in five years, after which they begin producing latex. These trees require at least six hours of sunlight every day and thrive in red loamy soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.0. Adequate water supply is important as drought conditions can weaken the plants.
Rubber Demand In The International Market
India exports natural rubber to many countries including Germany, Brazil, the US, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, China, Egypt, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sweden, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. In 2020 alone, more than 12 thousand metric tonnes of natural rubber was exported from India. Rubber is essential in the manufacture of many products such as shoes, tires, engine seals, balls and elastic bands. It also plays an important role in the manufacture of electrical equipment.
Conclusion
There is a growing demand for rubber domestically and internationally, which extends from household items to industrial use. This boom provides a good opportunity for those interested in rubber cultivation, which promises better profits at a lower cost. If you have any question regarding this post, then you can tell us by commenting in the comment box given below. Your feedback and suggestions are welcome as always. Thank you.
