Context:
The Rubber Board of India will commence geo mapping rubber plantations in Kerala from next week to enable the growers to have more market access for better price realization and compliance with international sustainability norms.
It is at the initiative overview:
- Objective
- Better and improved market access.
- It verifies the material under the certification towards Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) framework.
- Compliance
- On the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
- Implementation
- Phase 1: 10 of the major rubber growing districts of Kerala.
- Other regions: Will be covered after this.
- Partnered by: Trayambu Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
What is Geo Mapping?
- Means digital recording of
- Land ownership details.
- Area and boundary of the plantation.
- Techniques for supply chain mapping and traceability.
This gives clear origin tracking, thus making Indian rubber products more competitive in world markets.
Why is This Important?
- EUDR Compliance
- This requires that all commodities that go into the EU must be deforestation free (post Dec. 31, 2020).
- Rubber must be derived lawfully and according to environmental sustainability.
- International Trade and Marketability
- It fortifies the Indian position in international rubber markets.
- Supports the sustainable and transparent production of rubber.
- iSNR Certification and Due Diligence
- Certification will imply compliance with EUDR regulations.
- Due Diligence Certificate will be issued after the risk assessment and legality analysis.
- Facilities
- Access to essential traceability certificates and documents.
- Get Due Diligence Declarations and Geolocation datasets.
- Compliance to the world deforestation free regulations.
This geo mapping initiative lays an important milestone in determining the sustainable production of rubber in India. Integrating into a status of digital tracking and certification with long term commitment towards global regulatory compliance gives better prices, improved trade access, and long term sustainability to Indian rubber growers and exporters.
Source: TH
