(a) whether the Government has taken any steps for the replantation of rubber in the tribal areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof during the last five years; and
(c) the detailed plan to improve productivity and export of natural rubber and the outcome thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) & (b): New Rubber Plantation is being promoted in tribal areas. The plantations have not
reached replanting stage.
(c) : The productivity is being improved through the Rubber Plantation Development schemes in
the 11th Five year Plan. The schemes provide planting subsidy , supply of critical inputs
with price concession, assistance for soil and water conservation, generation and distribution
of quality planting materials etc. In 2008-09, Indian rubber plantation sector recorded the
highest productivity in the world with an average yield of 1867 kg/ha.
The Export of NR is promoted through the Export Promotion Scheme of NR which includes
participation in International trade fairs, assistance to exporters to participate in trade
fairs, organizing of buyer-seller meets etc. The exports of NR during the first two years
of 11th Plan has exceeded the annual target of 50,000 tonnes.