ISBN: - 978-93-88936-09-5 shows all the reactions of an unsaturated polymer. The reaction converts the plastic properties of raw rubber into elastic properties. Natural rubber enjoys excellent environmental image and rubber plantations are unique in many respects. Low intensity agriculture practiced in rubber plantation also helped to sustain long – term productivity of the soil and maintain an economically viable source of income for the planters in rubber growing areas of the country. The diversification of activities in natural rubber farming, harvesting, processing, value addition and trading as well as manufacturing and marketing of rubber products helps to engage large number of people from different walks of life. The rapid growth of industrial demand makes natural rubber economically viable to the cultivators. Rubber plantation is a good example with minimum environmental cost and social harm. There is perhaps no other agricultural systems have employment potential as in natural rubber farming. 3.9 NATURAL RUBBER – MAJOR END –USES • Natural rubber plays a pivotal role in the economic and industrial progress of over nation as it is a crucial and strategic raw material for many of the industrial products like tyres and tubes, foot wears, belts and hoses, battery boxes, layers etc., it is not only an important crop but also a crucial substitution for imports of the country. • Obtain from the latex of heave brasiliensis. • Native of Brazil – introduced to India in 1873. • Gestation period 6-7 years. • Economic life – around 25 years. • Commercial cultivation started in 1902. • Raw material from 35000 products in India. 3.10 PRODUCTION SECTOR Production of Natural Rubber has been increasing steadily over the years. The increase in production of natural rubber in major rubber producing countries has enabled global production quantity to increase. Spurt in manufacturing activities and high demand for automobiles has enhanced the demand for rubber and rubber products globally. Natural rubber therefore could be rightly said as an important agriculture product with significant. Production of Natural Rubber (NR) in India during the year 2015-16 fell 12.9 per cent to 562,000 tonnes from 645,000 tonnes produced a year ago. Adverse weather, high wages, lack of skilled labourers, grower’s reluctance in harvesting or maintaining trees in response to the low NR prices have affected the production of natural rubber (NR) in India during the 65
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