Daily Current Affairs : 15-September-2023

The Rubber Board, established under the Rubber Act of 1947, plays a pivotal role in advancing the rubber industry in India. Nestled under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India, this statutory body is headquartered in Kottayam, Kerala, and comprises a Chairman and other members. In recent years, the government has been actively involved in promoting the cultivation of natural rubber in the Northeastern States, recognizing its economic and environmental benefits.

The Rubber Board: A Brief Overview

The Rubber Board, previously known as the Rubber Production and Marketing Board, came into being with the Rubber Act (1947). Its primary objective is to oversee and support the development of the rubber industry in India. As a body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Rubber Board plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and strategies for rubber production and trade in the country.

Government Initiatives for Rubber Expansion

To bolster natural rubber cultivation in India, the government has introduced several initiatives:

  1. Rubber Plantation Development Scheme

This scheme is designed to foster rubber cultivation in both traditional and non-traditional regions. While it initially focused on states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Odisha, and West Bengal, it later expanded to include the Northeastern States. The objective is to diversify the geographical footprint of rubber production, making it a pan-India endeavor.

  1. Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS)

RPIS is aimed at providing financial support and technical guidance to those interested in planting new rubber trees. One of its significant features is the assurance of a minimum price of Rs. 150 per kilogram for rubber, thereby ensuring a reasonable return on investment for rubber farmers.

  1. NE Mitra Scheme

Collaborating with major tire companies, the Rubber Board initiated the NE Mitra Scheme, which aims to stimulate fresh rubber cultivation across 200,000 hectares within five years. By partnering with key industry players, this initiative facilitates the expansion of rubber plantations in the Northeastern States, where the climate and soil are favorable for rubber cultivation.

  1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) is actively working on formulating a PLI scheme aimed at promoting rubber goods production within the country. This initiative is expected to give a significant boost to the rubber goods industry in India, positioning it as a strong alternative to China.

Benefits of Expanding Natural Rubber Cultivation
  1. Economic Growth: The expansion of natural rubber cultivation creates employment opportunities and contributes to the economic development of the Northeastern States, which are often economically disadvantaged.
  2. Environmental Benefits: Rubber plantations act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps in mitigating climate change and enhances the overall environmental health of the region.
  3. Reduced Import Dependency: India currently imports a significant portion of its natural rubber. By expanding domestic production, the country can reduce its reliance on imports and enhance its self-sufficiency.

Important Points:

  • Rubber Board Overview
    • Established under the Rubber Act of 1947.
    • Statutory body for the development of the rubber industry in India.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • Headquarters in Kottayam, Kerala.
    • Comprises a Chairman and other members.
  • Government Initiatives for Rubber Expansion
    • Rubber Plantation Development Scheme
      • Promotes rubber cultivation in traditional and non-traditional regions.
      • Expanded to include Northeastern States.
    • Rubber Production Incentive Scheme (RPIS)
      • Offers financial support and technical assistance for new rubber plantations.
      • Guarantees a minimum price of Rs. 150 per kilogram for rubber.
    • NE Mitra Scheme
      • Implemented in collaboration with major tire companies.
      • Aims to cultivate rubber in 200,000 hectares within five years in the Northeast.
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
      • Formulated by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).
      • Promotes rubber goods production in India as an alternative to China.
  • Benefits of Expanding Natural Rubber Cultivation
    • Economic Growth
      • Creates employment opportunities.
      • Contributes to economic development in Northeastern States.
    • Environmental Benefits
      • Rubber plantations act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change.
      • Enhance the environmental health of the region.
    • Reduced Import Dependency
      • Expansion of domestic rubber production reduces reliance on imports.
      • Enhances self-sufficiency in rubber supply.
Why In News

The Rubber Board is diligently executing a strategic project aimed at significantly increasing the cultivation of natural rubber in the Northeastern States, fostering economic growth and sustainability in the region. This initiative is poised to bring about a remarkable transformation by not only expanding rubber cultivation but also promoting job creation and environmental stewardship in the Northeastern States.

MCQs about Driving Rubber Industry Growth in Northeast India

  1. What is the primary objective of the Rubber Plantation Development Scheme ?
    A. To promote rubber cultivation in Northeastern States.
    B. To support traditional rubber cultivation regions only.
    C. To export rubber to international markets.
    D. To reduce the production of natural rubber.
    Correct Answer: A. To promote rubber cultivation in Northeastern States.
    Explanation: The Rubber Plantation Development Scheme aims to promote rubber cultivation not only in traditional regions but also in Northeastern States.
  2. Which organization is responsible for formulating the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?
    A. The Rubber Board.
    B. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    C. The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).
    D. Major tire companies.
    Correct Answer: C. The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).
    Explanation: The PLI Scheme is being formulated by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA).
  3. Apart from economic growth, what environmental benefit is associated with expanding natural rubber cultivation?
    A. Increased carbon emissions.
    B. Enhanced environmental degradation.
    C. Mitigation of climate change through carbon absorption.
    D. Depletion of soil nutrients.
    Correct Answer: C. Mitigation of climate change through carbon absorption.
    Explanation: Expanding natural rubber cultivation acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and contributes to the mitigation of climate change.

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