The Indian government has announced a significant boost for the rubber sector, allocating a 23% increase in financial assistance under the “Sustainable & Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector” scheme. This translates to a total of Rs 708.69 crore for the next two financial years (2024-25 and 2025-26). This initiative aims to enhance rubber production, empower growers, and promote sustainable practices across the country.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Increased Financial Support: The 23% hike in funding signifies the government’s commitment to the rubber sector. This allocation will be used for various activities, including:
- Expanding Rubber Cultivation: 12,000 hectares in traditional areas and 3,752 hectares in non-traditional regions will be brought under rubber cultivation.
- Enhancing Productivity: Support will be provided for rain guarding, plant protection, and distribution of high-quality planting materials.
- Empowering Rubber Growers: Formation of new Rubber Producers Societies (RPSs) and farmer clusters will be supported to improve price realization and knowledge sharing.
- Investing in Infrastructure: Group Processing Centres (GPCs) will be established and existing ones modernized to ensure quality and standardization of rubber sheets.
- Promoting Research and Development: An outlay of Rs 29 crore will fund research on new rubber clones and improved cultivation practices.
- Improving Service Delivery: Digitization efforts through mobile apps and drones will be intensified to provide faster and more efficient services to growers.
- Enhancing Skills and Knowledge: Three nodal training centers of the National Institute of Rubber Training (NIRT) will be established in the Northeast region to promote MSMEs and upskill workers.
- Improving Worker Welfare: Various welfare measures, including educational stipends, women empowerment schemes, and insurance schemes, will be implemented to attract and retain workers.
Benefits for the Rubber Sector:
- Increased Rubber Production: The initiative is expected to significantly increase rubber production in India, reducing dependence on imports and meeting the growing domestic demand.
- Improved Sustainability: Sustainable practices like rain guarding and improved tapping techniques will be promoted, leading to environmental benefits.
- Empowered Farmers: Formation of RPSs and farmer clusters will provide better bargaining power and market access to rubber growers, improving their income and livelihoods.
- Enhanced Quality and Standardization: Upgradation of GPCs will ensure better quality of rubber sheets, fetching higher prices for farmers and benefiting downstream industries.
- Skilled Workforce: Training programs will equip workers with necessary skills, leading to improved productivity and safety in the sector.
- Improved Worker Welfare: Welfare measures will attract and retain skilled workers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Overall, this initiative marks a significant step forward for the Indian rubber sector. By focusing on increased production, improved productivity, farmer empowerment, and sustainable practices, the government aims to make India a self-sufficient rubber producer and create a robust and thriving rubber ecosystem.