A media delegation from Odisha, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Bhubaneswar, visited the Rubber Board headquarters in Kottayam today as part of an ongoing PIB media tour to Kerala.
The visit provided firsthand insights into India’s natural rubber industry, showcasing advancements in cultivation, technological innovations, and region-specific development programs aimed at boosting livelihoods.
Led by senior officials, including Executive Director M. Vasanthagesan, IRS, the interactive session highlighted the Rubber Board’s pivotal role in fortifying India’s rubber value chain. “From cultivation to marketing, Rubber Board is strengthening India’s rubber value chain,” stated Vasanthagesan. He elaborated on how over 65% of India’s natural rubber is consumed by the tyre industry, with the remaining 35% supporting sectors like medical devices, footwear, and consumer goods.
The delegation learned about cutting-edge technologies promoted by the Board, such as drone-based spraying for efficient plantation management and nano-oil applications to enhance productivity while minimising environmental impact. These initiatives underscore the Board’s commitment to sustainable modernisation in rubber farming.
India stands as a global leader in natural rubber production and consumption, with cultivation spanning approximately 9.39 lakh hectares. In 2024-25, production reached 8.75 lakh tonnes, while domestic demand surged to over 14 lakh tonnes, fueled by the tyre and allied industries. The downstream sector has become a powerhouse, with rubber product exports exceeding ₹43,000 crore, demonstrating substantial value addition and economic growth.
A key focus of the discussions was Odisha’s emergence as a vital non-traditional rubber-growing region. Through extension services, training, and plantation development, the Rubber Board is driving livelihood improvements, employment, and socio-economic upliftment in rural and tribal communities. “Odisha is emerging as a key non-traditional rubber-growing region with strong livelihood impact,” noted Shri Vasanthagesan.
The session also featured contributions from Smt. Priya Varma, Director (Training); B. Sreekumar, Deputy Director (Publicity & Public Relations); and Anilkumar V., Deputy Director (Training). Accompanying the delegation from PIB were Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, PIB Bhubaneswar, and Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer.
This visit highlights the collaborative efforts between government bodies to promote sustainable agriculture and industrial growth, positioning natural rubber as a cornerstone of India’s economy.
