Bilal Bashir Bhat
Long known for its apple orchards, saffron cultivation, and rich handicraft tradition, the Kashmir Valley may soon add natural rubber production to its agricultural profile. Renowned scientists in India are currently experimenting with rubber cultivation across diverse climatic conditions, and Kashmir has emerged as a potential new place under assessment.
Speaking to onlykashmir.in on the sidelines of an interaction with the Kashmir Valley-based journalists’ group at the National Institute of Rubber Training in Kottayam, Kerala, prominent scientist and Officer In Charge of the Germplasm Division, Dr C Narayanan, said that extensive research is underway to explore rubber seeding in both hot and cold climatic zones.
He noted that the objective is to expand rubber cultivation beyond its traditional regions, Kerela, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka. The development in Kashmir could reduce import dependence and create new livelihood opportunities, especially among youth.
Responding to a query about the feasibility of rubber cultivation in Kashmir, Dr Narayanan said that the possibility of all-season seeding in the Valley is being scientifically assessed. He added that expert teams comprising leading scientists are conducting surveys across the country, including northern states and Union Territories such as Himachal Pradesh and areas like Shimla, Ladakh, to evaluate climatic adaptability.
Dr Narayanan explained that modern research efforts focus on the use of molecular markers, transgenic approaches, and wild germplasm to improve both latex and timber yield. He said the breeding process for rubber is long-term and involves creating genetic variability through hybridization, followed by small-scale clone trials, large-scale clone trials and multi-location trials to select varieties best suited to different environmental conditions.
Earlier, during a meeting at the National Institute of Rubber Training (NIRT), Kottayam, Kerala presided by M. Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director, Rubber Board and accompanied by Priya Varma, Director Training, NIRT in a presentation highlighted that natural rubber is a strategic industrial raw material.
Latex-based products include gloves, medical devices, foam, balloons, catheters and condoms, while dry rubber-based products range from tyres and inner tubes for cycles, cars and trucks to belts, hoses, slippers, and various automobile components. Rubber is commercially available in several forms, such as sheet rubber, crepe rubber, concentrated latex and Indian Standard Natural Rubber.
Pertinently, Data shared on the Indian natural rubber sector revealed a consistent gap between production and consumption. In 2022 23, India produced around 8.39 lakh tonnes of natural rubber, while consumption exceeded 13.5 lakh tonnes, leading to significant imports.
The role of the Bharath Sustainable Natural Rubber platform was also explained. Developed by the Rubber Board of India, the platform helps ensure compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation by providing traceability certificates, due diligence declarations, and geo-location data, thereby strengthening India’s rubber supply chain for global markets.
Besides, Dr. C. Narayanan, Dr. Kala, RG, OIC Biotechnology Division, RRII, Dr. Bindu Roy, Sr. Scientist, Pathology Division, RRII, Mr. Madhusoodhanan, OIC, Rubber Technology Division, RRII and others also interacted with journalists on the occasion.
It is pertinent to mention that the Press Information Bureau earlier this week facilitated a delegation of journalists from the Kashmir Valley to Kerala, where they are visiting several central institutions and departments related to rubber research and development. The visit aimed to familiarise journalists with advancements in the different sectors and its potential expansion.
