Kottayam/Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: Odisha is steadily emerging as a significant hub for rubber cultivation, opening new economic avenues for tribal communities in non-traditional farming regions. The transformation came into focus during a visit by a media team led by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, to the Rubber Board headquarters in Kottayam, Kerala.

The visit aimed to understand how India’s natural rubber sector is modernising and expanding beyond its traditional base in southern states.

During an interactive session, Executive Director M Vasanthagesan explained the functioning of the industry and its value chain. He informed that the tyre manufacturing industry accounts for nearly 65 per cent of India’s domestic rubber consumption, while the remaining 35 per cent is utilised in sectors such as medical devices, footwear and various industrial goods. He emphasised that the Rubber Board extends support across the entire spectrum - from distribution of planting material to processing and marketing.

Technology-driven farming practices featured prominently in the discussions. Officials highlighted the use of drones for spraying plantations and the application of nano-oils to enhance crop health and productivity. These measures, they said, aim to boost efficiency while ensuring environmental sustainability.

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For Odisha, the developments hold significant promise. Officials noted that training programmes, extension services and technical support provided by the Rubber Board are enabling rural and tribal communities in the state to secure improved and sustainable livelihoods.

Data shared during the visit indicated that rubber cultivation in India now spans approximately 9.39 lakh hectares. Production has reached around 8.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. However, domestic demand remains substantially higher at over 14.1 lakh tonnes, underscoring the sector’s growth potential. Rubber product exports are valued at more than Rs 43,000 crore, contributing significantly to the national economy.

Senior officials, including Deputy Director Manoj Kumar Jali and Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, accompanied the delegation during the visit to observe the technological and developmental initiatives underway.