Recently, the world’s first Genetically Modified (GM) rubber plant developed by Rubber Research Institute was planted in Assam.
About the GM Rubber
Genetic modification (GM) technology allows the transfer of genes for specific traits between species using laboratory techniques.
The GM rubber has additional copies of the gene MnSOD, or manganese-containing superoxide dismutase, inserted in the plant, which is expected to tide over the severe cold conditions during winter in the northeast.
Why is it done?
Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for the colder conditions in the Northeast, which is one of the largest producers of rubber in India.
Growth of young rubber plants remains suspended during the winter months. This is the reason for the long immaturity period of this crop in the region.
About natural rubber
Rubber is made from the latex of a tree called Hevea Brasiliensis.
It is an equatorial crop, but under special conditions, it is also grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Temperature: Above 25°C with moist and humid climate.
Rainfall: More than 200 cm.
Soil Type: Rich well drained alluvial soil.
Cheap and adequate supply of skilled labour is needed for this plantation crop.
India is currently the sixth largest producer of NR in the world.
Top Rubber Producing States: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
Government Initiatives:
Rubber Plantation Development Scheme and Rubber Group Planting Scheme
100% FDI in plantations of rubber, coffee, tea, cardamom, palm oil tree and olive oil tree.
Major Producers Globally: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and India.
Major Consumers: China, India, USA, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
