Unrealised potential of rubber cultivation in non traditional areas

The rubber tree, introduced by the Europeans has become important source of natural rubber in India and the world. It is cultivated widely in the southern parts of India. Growing industrial demand for rubber has pushed the interest amongst farmers in south despite very little scope for expansion of rubber plantation. The north eastern region has similar climatic conditions like traditional rubber growing areas besides having its own problem in socio economic developmental issues. Expansion of rubber plantations in the north eastern India has several bottlenecks and they have to be removed for successful expansion of this crop. With proper care and support, the north eastern India will become hub for natural rubber in the non-traditional areas. This article discusses about the status, prospects, problems and possible solutions on the rubber cultivation in these regions.