Assam Media Delegation Visits Rubber Board in Kottayam

Rubber production in Assam can play key role in socio-economic upliftment

Digital Desk: As part of an ongoing media tour to Kerala, a media delegation from Assam, led by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati, on Friday (13th February),  visited the headquarters of the Rubber Board in Kottayam to gain first-hand insights into India’s natural rubber sector, recent technological innovations, and region-specific development initiatives.

An interactive session was held with senior officials of the Rubber Board, including Shri M. Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director, and Shri B. Sreekumar, Deputy Director (Publicity & Public Relations). The officials briefed the delegation on the functioning, mandate, and key initiatives of the Board.

Addressing the media delegation, Shri M. Vasanthagesan highlighted the strategic importance of natural rubber in India’s industrial ecosystem. He stated that over 65 percent of the country’s domestic natural rubber consumption is utilised by the tyre industry, while the remaining 35 percent caters to non-tyre sectors such as medical devices, footwear, consumer goods, and various industrial products. He emphasised that the Rubber Board plays a crucial role in strengthening the entire value chain, encompassing cultivation, processing, marketing, and skill development.

The Executive Director also elaborated on recent technological innovations being promoted to enhance productivity and sustainability. These include the adoption of drone-based spray technology for efficient plantation management and the use of nano-oil applications aimed at improving yield and resource efficiency.

Sharing production trends, Shri Vasanthagesan said that natural rubber production in the country has shown a steady upward trajectory, reaching approximately 8.75 lakh tonnes during 2024–25. However, domestic consumption remains significantly higher at over 14.1 lakh tonnes, driven by robust demand from the tyre and allied industries.

During the discussions, special emphasis was laid on Assam’s contribution to India’s rubber sector. The Executive Director noted that Assam is the third-largest producer of natural rubber in the country and traced the history and expansion of rubber cultivation in the state. He underscored the immense potential for further growth in rubber production in the region, citing favourable agro-climatic conditions and expanding market demand. He further stated that enhanced rubber production in Assam can play a key role in the socio-economic upliftment of farmers and rural communities.

As part of the visit, the media delegation was also given a practical demonstration of the rubber tapping process, providing a better understanding of plantation-level operations.

The visit offered journalists from Assam valuable insights into the natural rubber industry, technological advancements, and the role of the Rubber Board in promoting sustainable growth across rubber-producing regions of the country.