Thiruvananthapuram: The increasing reliance of Indian tyre companies on imported block rubber is creating significant challenges for small-scale rubber farmers in Kerala. According to Indian Rubber Statistics, the growing preference for block rubber has resulted in a sharp decline in demand for locally produced RSS grade sheet rubber, leaving small farmers in a precarious position.
Over the past decade, the use of block rubber in India has seen a staggering rise. In 2013-14, tyre companies consumed 3,22,250 tons of block rubber. By 2023-24, this number had more than doubled to 6,84,010 tons. Similarly, block rubber imports surged from 2,42,130 tons in 2013-14 to 4,41,250 tons in 2023-24. This shift, driven by tyre manufacturers’ preference for block rubber, has largely bypassed the small-scale farmers who are key producers of RSS grade rubber.
The impact of these imports is compounded by free trade agreements and relaxed port controls, which have made it easier for natural rubber to flood the Indian market. Total natural rubber imports grew from 3,60,263 tons in 2013-14 to 4,92,682 tons in 2023-24, with 1,87,627 tons being duty-free. Indonesia and Vietnam are the leading exporters of rubber to India, further driving the surge.
For Kerala’s small farmers, the combination of declining market demand for RSS rubber and increased competition from imported rubber is creating an urgent need for policy intervention to protect their livelihoods and sustain local production.
