The Rubber Board is actively executing a project aimed at expanding natural rubber cultivation in the Northeastern States of India. Natural rubber, a polymer composed of isoprene molecules, originally hails from the Amazon basin but was introduced to tropical Asian and African countries in the late 19th century. Rubber trees thrive in humid regions with heavy rainfall exceeding 200 cm and temperatures surpassing 25°C. India stands as the third-largest producer and fourth-largest consumer of natural rubber worldwide. Traditional rubber-growing areas include Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari District and Kerala, while non-traditional regions encompass coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra’s Konkan Region, and more.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
Isoprene: Isoprene is a chemical molecule that makes up natural rubber. It is the fundamental unit of the polymer responsible for rubber’s elasticity and flexibility.
Rubber Act, 1947: The Rubber Act, 1947, is the legislative framework that governs the rubber industry in India. It established the Rubber Board and outlines its functions and responsibilities.
Rubber Board: The Rubber Board is a statutory organization operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India. It plays a pivotal role in the development, research, and promotion of the rubber industry within the country.
Kottayam, Kerala: Kottayam serves as the headquarters of the Rubber Board, situated in the southern state of Kerala, India.
Natural Rubber Growing Regions: These regions include traditional areas like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as non-traditional areas like coastal Karnataka, Goa, and the northeastern provinces. They are geographical areas where rubber cultivation thrives due to suitable climatic conditions and soil types.
