Toy balloons, pencil erasers, rubber bands, hoses, belts, gloves, aircraft tyres and nameless others, what do you find similar in all these products? For most people, the first thing they would say is the flexible characteristic of the above goods. However, if we further ask them to guess the main ingredient of these products, t won’t take long before they guess the right answer, which is RUBBER.
In modern world, the usage of rubber–both synthetic and natural–is innumerable. It is considered highly sustainable due to its renewable quality. The demand for natural rubber is high in the market. Asia produces the highest amount of natural rubber in the world. In India, Kerala is the largest producer of rubber followed by Tripura.
The favourable climatic conditions found in the Northeast are suitable for the flourishing growth of rubber trees and nearly 4,50,000 hectares of the region’s arable lands has already been marked for rubber farming. The commercial rubber plantation in the Northeast was introduced during the British colonial rule.
Farmers in the regions are now fast realizing the economical viability of rubber cultivation and they have started growing these valuable cash crops on large scales. A perfect example could be seen at Dhoopcherra village in Tripura, where the Jhumia tribals are practicing rubber cultivation.
In other states like Assam, farmers of Karbi Anglong and Gopalpara districts are enthusiastically taking up rubber cultivation on a big scale. Over 2,900 hectares of land in Gopalpara is under Rubber cultivation and it provides a source of livelihood to nearly 7,000 families. In 2007-08 Tripura had 41,165 hectares of land under rubber cultivation; Assam had 18,225, Meghalaya 6,838, Nagaland 2,697, Manipur 1,914, Mizoram 551 and Arunachal 458 hectares.
Rubber cultivation is a labour-intensive practice and thus generates rural employment. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Rubber Board has implemented various projects such as the ‘Accelerated Development of Rubber Plantation’ and ‘Rubber Development’ in the North East. Awareness camps and training programmes are being held for farmers. Besides, subsidies and work, land is also provided to them. Local rubber farmers in Gopalpara district are already benefiting from the venture.
Another positive aspect of rubber cultivation is its ecological benefits. Rubber plants enrich soil’s organic matter by litter recycling and at the same time prevent soil erosion. The overall analysis of rubber plantation in the Northeast seems quite profitable, both economically and environmentally.
Image by CIFOR over Creative Commons
I’m from Mizoram and the statistics that you mention regarding the state does not seem to tally with ground realities. For eg. Where are the 551 Hectares of rubber plantations located??
I have been in touch with various Government Departments in the state and I have been informed by each and everyone that the State Government does not have a policy/programme on rubber cultivation.
I mention these points only because I am very interested in rubber cultivation and looking for funding for my project.
You must consult soil & water conservation deptt. of MIzoram & Rubber Board Office at Kolasib. Not only 551 ha. more 1500 ha. area already covered by natural rubber in Mizoram. The most suitable area for rubber in your state are Kanhmun, Hortoki, Lengpui, Khamrang, Rangte, some parts of Lunglei etc.
Dear Simon,
All data sources like http://databank.nedfi.com/content/rubber-plantation-north-east-india point out how so much of area is under rubber plantation and what good it is doing to the people in the region. But, although we had been warned that the data exists only on papers and there is not much in real, we are getting a similar feedback for many other people, and are shocked to learn that what we had been warned is more true than we could believe.
If one sits to compile reports based on what is on paper today, it seems all is well and there is nothing to worry. In this case, chances are that the Govt. does has a scheme but no real mechanism to announce it, or put it in action. We would try and find out what we can, and it would be great if you can share more of your experience, and continue to do so as it will help many others, and perhaps also address this issue of lack of information and policies.
I want to establish rubber plantations in north east state.pls suggest me that in which state i may get land in less price ?is there any chance for getting government land on rental base ?what are the rules for getting governmnet land on rent ?i can deposit near by 150 lacks.which type of rubber is good for particular state ?how many year will take for income ?In a year how many months i may get income ?for this any chance for getting economic help .including loan ?i am expecting some reply .pls help me by libin george.
sir,
I am interested in rubber planting in north east , i would like to know the details of the availability of land either lease or sale.
pls inform me the details if you can
regards
prince george
Mr prince,
Pl contact me in 00 971 50 5464715. Thomas
well sir,can we start a rubber plantation in north bengal,if yes then in which area?
Dear Sir,
I am from Assam and an educated unemployed youth.I have been planning for a long time to be self employed, but I didn’t get any support from any corner. Now I planning to plant rubber in Hundred(100 bighas) of land. I looking for a nursery where I can get good rubber saplings for the same. I am ready to bear the prices for the same. Dear Sir, please give me information about the local office and nursery of rubber. I am from BAKSA District of Assam, now BTAD. I will be very much obliged if you would give me the information about it very soon…..
Thank You
Dear Sir,
I am from Assam and an educated unemployed youth.I have been planning for a long time to be self employed, but I didn’t get any support from any corner. Now I planning to plant rubber in Hundred(100 bighas) of land. I am looking for a nursery where I can get good rubber saplings for the same. I am ready to bear the prices for the same. Dear Sir, please give me information about the local office and nursery of rubber. I am from BAKSA District of Assam, now BTAD. I will be very much obliged if you would give me the information about it very soon…..
Thank You
Hello sir,
I am also from Baksa (Kumarikata).
I am here to sell Rubber Roller Machine in a cheap price as I am in need of money.
If you are interested in buying please contact me- 9101060758.
Sir,
It’s so fortunate to have such web site where we can clarify our doubts and get assistance.
Well I’am an educated un-employed from Nagaland and last year i have undertaken rubber plantation for about 1 Ha, but its so new for for me about the methods and for cultivation. so i’ll be grateful if you can send a detail hand book for Rubber Cultivation and rearing through mail.
thank you.
hye….! ron, its alway great in seeing ur updates……me tooo…vry intrested in rubber plantation…..hope i find a way…..
Here any one from assam, interested in rubber cultivation n looking for good sapling can contact on
E-mail: mtrlama@rediffmail.com
Dear Sir,
I am from Margherita,(Assam) and I am an unemployed youth. I am interested in rubber plantation. I would like to know the details.
Thank you.
ANY ONE NEED RUBBER NURSERY OR RUBBER POLY BAGS PLEASE CONTACT ME ON THIS NO..+91-8794118572/8794113207/9856997843
I AM FROM TRIPURA PLEASE INFOME FOR BEST BUY.
i am from nagaland.Its been four years since i have been planting but i have not receive any assistence from the government or the rubber board so i wish to know if there is any way i can get it.
Sir am interested in rubber plantation in Agartala can I get land on lease min 100bighas from govt dept please guide and help thanks
Hello sir,
I am also from Baksa (Kumarikata).
I am here to sell Rubber Roller Machine in a cheap price as I am in need of money.
If you are interested in buying please contact me- 9101060758.