**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2549, addressed on August 5, 2025, regarding rubber production, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Minister of State Shri Jitin Prasada, affirmed that accelerating domestic Natural Rubber (NR) production is a national priority, particularly in non-traditional regions such as the North East.
The government, through the Rubber Board, is implementing the Scheme Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector to enhance NR productivity and production nationwide. This scheme provides financial and technical assistance for planting, replanting, rain guarding, promotion of good agricultural practices, and disease control in both traditional and non-traditional rubber-growing areas.
Recognizing the projected increase in India's natural rubber consumption, estimated to reach 20 lakh tonnes by 2030, the Rubber Board, in collaboration with the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), is implementing a project in the North East to develop rubber plantations across 200,000 hectares. As of the reporting date, 150,915 hectares have been planted with natural rubber in the North East region under this project. In 2024-25, India's natural rubber consumption was reported by the Rubber Board to be 14.10 Lakh Tonnes. The initiatives are part of the broader goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Entities Referenced
Natural Rubber: A key commodity, the production and consumption of which is discussed in the policy document.
Rubber Board: The Indian governmental organization responsible for the sustainable development of the rubber sector.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Indian government ministry responsible for international trade and industry.
North East: A region of India identified as a non-traditional area for rubber production, with specific development projects underway.
Viksit Bharat 2047: A governmental goal to achieve developed nation status for India by 2047.
Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association: An association collaborating with the Rubber Board to develop rubber plantations in the North East region of India.
Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector: A scheme implemented by the Rubber Board to increase the productivity and production of natural rubber in India.
SHRI JITIN PRASADA: The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2549
ANSWERED ON 05/08/2025
RUBBER PRODUCTION
2549. SMT. D K ARUNA:
SHRI CHAMALA KIRAN KUMAR REDDY:
SHRI EATALA RAJENDER:
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री) be pleased
to state:
(a) whether accelerating domestic Natural Rubber (NR) production is a national priority,
especially in non-traditional regions like the North East and if so, the details thereof
and the steps taken, results yielded, to date; and
(b) whether India’s natural rubber consumption is projected to reach 20 lakh tonnes by
2030 and there is a need to accelerate domestic production and if so, the corrective
steps taken, encouragement being given in future to achieve goal of Viksit Bharat-
2047 as part of it?
ANSWER
वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्यमंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) & (b) The Natural Rubber consumption in India was reported by Rubber Board to be
14.10 Lakh Tonnes in 2024-25. Keeping in view the consumption requirements of natural
rubber in the country, the Government, through Rubber Board, is implementing the
Scheme “Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector” under which
various activities are undertaken to increase the productivity and production of natural
rubber in the country. Under the scheme, Rubber Board provides financial / technical
assistance for inter alia planting / replanting of natural rubber in both traditional and non-
traditional areas, rain guarding, promotion of good agricultural practices and disease
control.
Further, in order to boost production in the North Eastern region, a project is being
implemented by Rubber Board in collaboration with Automotive Tyre Manufacturers
Association (ATMA) in the North East for developing rubber plantations in 200,000 ha area.
Under this project, so far natural rubber has been planted in 150,915 ha area in the North
East region.
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