In its endeavour to ensure compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Rubber Board is initiating the creation of a central database of rubber plantations across India to establish a deforestation-free production chain for rubber products.
Under this framework, the agency has tied up with TrayamBhu Tech Solutions Private Limited (TRST01), a technology partner, to map rubber plantations across India using polygon mapping. They are also developing a traceability system to monitor exports of natural rubber (NR) products.
Board members said the move was critical to building a deforestation-free supply chain for rubber products and improving their global marketability. The EUDR, which is due to come into force on January 1, 2025, will require companies selling or exporting key raw materials to the EU market to prove that their products do not come from deforested land after December 31, 2020, and that they comply with local laws.
Since natural rubber is listed as a key raw material in the EUDR and the EU is a major market for Indian rubber products, compliance is of utmost importance. To support this effort, the Ministry of Commerce has appointed the Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) in Bengaluru to study the feasibility of implementing the EUDR for rubber and coffee.
Main objectives
The memorandum of understanding between the Board and its technology partner outlines key objectives aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance through the use of web and mobile applications and blockchain technology.
According to official figures, Europe accounts for about 25% of India’s rubber exports. “To meet the demand of this market, we are implementing a deforestation-free supply chain from grower to trader to manufacturer to exporter. The Rubber Board will issue a due diligence certificate for the products exported through this chain, ensuring full traceability from the plantation to the final destination,” they said.
