Natural Rubber Cultivation — Kerala

Kerala is the birthplace of India's rubber industry — accounting for 86% of India's 8 lakh hectare rubber plantation and 1.3 million tonnes annual production. Hevea brasiliensis was introduced from Brazil via Kew Gardens in 1895. Tapping begins at 5 years when tree girth reaches 50cm. A skilled tapper makes a 30° downward spiral cut on the bark every other day, collecting 15–25ml latex per tree per tapping. The latex is coagulated with formic acid, rolled into sheets, and smoked in a smoke house for 3–4 days to produce ribbed smoked sheet (RSS). Kerala's Kottayam and Idukki are the primary rubber districts. The Rubber Board of India under Ministry of Commerce regulates quality, provides planting subsidy, and supports small holders. 92% of Kerala's rubber is grown on small holdings (<2 hectares). NR prices are volatile — linked to global crude oil prices and synthetic rubber supply. India imported 4.5 lakh tonnes rubber in 2024 to bridge domestic shortfall.