India's Tyre Industry
Natural Rubber From Kerala
How Kerala grows most of India's natural rubber, why tyre makers use most of it, and how price falls hurt rubber farmers and push imports.
Tyres need natural rubber.
Kerala
Kerala grows most of India’s natural rubber, on small holdings.
Tyre use
Tyre makers use most of the natural rubber consumed in India.
Imports
India imports rubber when local supply falls short, mainly from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Farmers’ woes
- Rubber prices fell sharply after 2011-12.
- Many farmers stopped tapping trees.
Support
Kerala offered a price support scheme to rubber farmers.
Northeast
Tripura and other northeast states expanded rubber plantations.
Rubber Board
The Rubber Board regulates and supports the sector.
When rubber prices fell, a farmer in Kottayam left trees untapped because tapping wasn't worth the labour.
Natural rubber is key.
- Kerala grows most natural rubber.
- Tyre makers use most of it.
- Price falls hurt farmers.
- Tripura expanded plantations.
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