Jharkhand and Chattisgarh have shown interest on rubber after the rubber prices got steady, according to the Rubber Board chief.
“One main reason why these two states have shown interest in taking up planting rubber is the best steady price. Over the years rubber plantations have come up in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha,” Sheela Thomas, Chairperson of the Rubber Board said.
Since 2009, rubber prices have shown strength, continuously increasing from Rs. 31 per kg now its already Rs. 178 per kg.
“In Odisha, there are three rubber growing districts. Some other districts also have shown keen interest. Goa took up rubber plantation long back and likewise the districts adjoining Goa are also potential areas. Barring Sikkim, all the other northeastern states have taken up rubber cultivation in a big way, with Tripura having 60,000 hectares followed by Assam,” added Thomas.
78.20% of the area in India that is turned into rubber plantations can be found in Kerala. The area has increased because of the increase in prices. Since the state started cultivating in 2009, the rubber plantation has an area of only 8,822 hectares but until 2011, the state has 5.3 lakh hectares. (RJA)