India
Policies to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Practices
India has implemented stringent policies to promote environmentally sustainable practices in rubber cultivation. The Indian Forest Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, and other related legislation prohibit the clearing of reserved and notified forest lands for commercial rubber plantations. This ensures that vital forest areas are preserved while allowing limited long-term plantation activities within these forests. The Rubber Board also discourages rubber cultivation in ecologically sensitive regions through advisories and utilizes technology to help farmers avoid landslide-prone areas. Additionally, minimal use of pesticides and weedicides is encouraged, with specific bans in traditional rubber-growing regions like Kerala, while the Rubber Research Institute provides guidance on approved chemical usage and sustainable practices.Furthermore, India promotes soil conservation and biodiversity within rubber holdings through various initiatives. The Rubber Research Institute conducts research to enhance soil health and moisture retention, while policies encourage practices such as intercropping and beekeeping to support biodiversity. Although there is currently no national certification for environmental sustainability in rubber plantations, draft guidelines are being developed. The use of rubber wood is also encouraged as a sustainable resource, supporting both the rubber industry and reducing pressure on timber forests. Overall, these efforts reflect India's commitment to balancing agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship and social welfare.
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Policies to Promote Socially Sustainable Practices
India has implemented a range of policies aimed at promoting socially sustainable practices in rubber cultivation, particularly to alleviate poverty and uplift resource-poor communities. By extending rubber cultivation to non-traditional regions, the government seeks to provide a stable income source for these communities, significantly improving their living standards, especially in Northeast India, such as Tripura. Moreover, rubber cultivation serves as an effective strategy to rehabilitate tribal communities practicing shifting cultivation, which poses ecological threats. This initiative not only fosters rural and economic development but also generates employment opportunities and enhances overall purchasing power, while contributing to environmental benefits like soil protection and ecosystem restoration.
Additionally, policies have been introduced to empower women in the rubber production sector and ensure the welfare of laborers involved in rubber harvesting and processing. Self Help Groups (SHGs) facilitate women's participation in income-generating activities, and Women Tappers’ Banks provide training and employment opportunities. The Plantation Labour Act governs the social security and welfare of workers in organized sectors, ensuring access to medical care, housing, and education for their families. Furthermore, the Rubber Board promotes labor welfare measures for those in unorganized sectors, offering benefits such as educational assistance and group insurance. Safety regulations and environmental management systems are also in place to minimize health hazards in rubber processing factories, reinforcing the commitment to worker safety and environmental sustainability.