National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities 2026

This scheme by the Rubber Board aims to boost natural rubber production by encouraging farmers to plant Read More... or replant rubber scientifically, offering technical guidance and financial support. Read less

Details

Looking to plant or replant rubber trees? The Rubber Board has a scheme designed to help you do just that, aiming to increase India's natural rubber output. It's all about scientific cultivation and providing growers with the necessary support to succeed.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Scheme for Plantation Development' is an initiative by the Rubber Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It focuses on accelerating the new planting and replanting of rubber in traditional areas like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as well as non-traditional and North Eastern regions. The goal is to bring more land under scientific rubber cultivation, thereby increasing natural rubber production across the country. This is achieved by offering both expert technical advice and much-needed financial assistance to rubber growers.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is primarily for rubber growers. There are different eligibility criteria depending on whether you are in a traditional rubber-growing region (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) or a non-traditional/North Eastern region. The scheme also has specific provisions for growers belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and those who own small plots of land. Additionally, it helps those looking to replant older rubber trees with new, improved varieties.

Why This Scheme Is Important

India's natural rubber production is vital for many industries. This scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring a steady and increased supply of natural rubber. By supporting scientific planting and replanting, it helps improve the quality and quantity of rubber produced, benefiting both farmers and the economy. It also ensures that growers receive guidance on best practices, like soil conservation and maintaining healthy plant density, making rubber cultivation more sustainable and productive.

Objective

This scheme by the Rubber Board aims to boost natural rubber production by encouraging farmers to plant or replant rubber scientifically, offering technical guidance and financial support.

Benefits

The value of the fellowship is as follows:

The fellowship provides financial assistance to students with disabilities to pursue M. Phil. and Ph.D. degrees.

The fellowship is awarded on the basis of merit and the student's disability certificate.

The value of the fellowship is ₹ 37,000 per month for Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) and ₹ 42,000 per month for Senior Research Fellows (SRFs).

The fellowship is awarded for a maximum period of five years, including the JRF and SRF periods.

Sources and references

Website

Eligibility Criteria

For Traditional Areas (Kerala and Tamil Nadu):

Growers owning rubber areas up to 2.00 hectares are eligible.
The maximum area eligible for planting grant is 1.00 hectare.
You must undertake new planting or replanting in a minimum area of 0.10 hectare to qualify.
You need to have absolute possession of the land for which you are seeking assistance.
Land identified or certified as paddy fields in official documents cannot receive any assistance under this scheme.

For Non-Traditional and North Eastern Region:

Growers owning rubber areas up to 5.00 hectares are eligible.
The maximum area eligible for planting grant is 2.00 hectares.
You must undertake new planting or replanting in a minimum area of 0.10 hectare to qualify.
You need to have absolute possession of the land for which you are seeking assistance.
Land identified or certified as paddy fields in official documents cannot receive any assistance under this scheme.

Other Important Conditions:

You must maintain a minimum of 450 rubber plants per hectare, and their growth should be satisfactory as judged by an inspecting officer.
You can keep existing non-rubber trees, but their numbers are limited: a maximum of 20 trees, 40 coconut palms, or 80 areca nut palms per hectare, spread out evenly.
If your land is sloped, you must take measures to prevent soil erosion. This includes contour terracing, building contour bunds, digging silt trenches or pits, and planting cover crops.
Ensure that boundary protection measures are in place.
The Executive Director of the Rubber Board has the final right to refuse assistance without giving any specific reason.

How To Apply

To get assistance under this scheme, growers need to follow a specific application process. You will need to submit an application form along with all the required documents. The application needs to be submitted to the relevant office of the Rubber Board. For the latest information and to download application forms, it's best to check the official Rubber Board website or contact their local office.

Official Address for Submission:
Rubber Board, Department of Commerce,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
(Specific office details will be provided on the official website or application form)

Official Link: Please visit the Rubber Board website for the most current details and application forms.

Documents Required

Identity Proof: You can use your Voter ID, PAN card, Driving Licence, or Passport.
Bank Passbook Copy: This should clearly show your name, account number, and the bank's IFS Code.
Land Ownership Certificate: A valid certificate from your Village Officer proving your ownership of the total rubber area you own.
Area Sketch: A drawing of the area you are applying for, showing boundaries on all sides with the names of neighbouring landowners.
Planting Material Bill: For plantations in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, a bill is not mandatory. In such cases, you need to upload a self-declaration with purchase details.
Nomination Form: If the land is jointly owned or owned by a minor, a nomination form is required.
Caste Certificate: Required specifically for applicants from the Scheduled Castes (SC) category.
PAH Declaration Form: If applicable, this form is needed for PAH (Potential Area of Horticulture) applications.

FAQ’s

What documents are needed to prove I own the rubber land?

You need to provide a valid certificate from your Village Officer that confirms you own the total rubber area you're applying for assistance with.

Can I keep some existing trees in my new rubber plantation?

Yes, you can retain non-rubber trees. However, there's a limit: you can keep up to 20 trees, 40 coconut palms, or 80 areca nut palms per hectare, and they should be spread out evenly.

How much subsidy can I get for planting rubber in Non-Traditional and North Eastern Regions?

In these regions, you can get ₹35,000 per hectare. Plus, there's an additional ₹5,000 per hectare for high-quality planting materials. The subsidy for the planting material itself is ₹10 per plant, capped at 500 plants per hectare.

What happens if my land is on a slope? How do I protect it?

For sloped lands, you must implement soil erosion control measures. This includes techniques like contour terracing, building contour bunds, digging silt trenches or pits, and planting cover crops.

How is the subsidy amount paid out to eligible growers?

The entire subsidy is paid in one go after you've successfully completed all the required work according to the Rubber Board's satisfaction. You'll receive the money directly in your bank account via e-transfer. Make sure your bank account is linked with your Aadhaar.

Are there special benefits for SC applicants in the Traditional Region?

Yes, growers from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category receive higher assistance in the Traditional Region. They are eligible for ₹35,000 per hectare, along with ₹5,000 per hectare for planting materials. The planting material subsidy is ₹10 per plant, limited to 500 plants per hectare.

What is the minimum area I need to plant or replant to be eligible?

To be eligible for assistance, you must undertake new planting or replanting of rubber in a minimum area of 0.10 hectare.

What if I don't have a bill for the planting material I bought in 2018-2021?

For plantations established in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, you don't need the original bill. Instead, you can upload a self-declaration form that includes all the necessary purchase details.

What is the maximum land size eligible for assistance in traditional areas?

In the traditional areas (Kerala and Tamil Nadu), growers owning up to 2.00 hectares of rubber land are eligible. However, the planting grant is limited to a maximum area of 1.00 hectare per applicant.

Do I need to provide a sketch of the area I'm applying for?

Yes, you do need to provide a sketch. This sketch should clearly show the boundaries of the applied area on all sides, along with the names of the adjacent landowners.

What details should be visible on my bank passbook copy?

The copy of your bank passbook should clearly display your name as the account holder, the full account number, and the Indian Financial System Code (IFS Code) of your bank.

When is a nomination form needed for the application?

A nomination form is required if the land is jointly owned by multiple people or if the owner is a minor.

What is the minimum number of rubber plants I need to maintain per hectare?

You need to maintain a minimum of 450 rubber plants per hectare. Additionally, the growth of these plants must be satisfactory, as assessed by an inspecting officer from the Rubber Board.

What are the subsidy amounts for new planting in Kerala and Tamil Nadu?

For general category growers in traditional areas, the subsidy is ₹20,000 per hectare, plus ₹5,000 per hectare for planting material. For SC category growers, the subsidy is ₹35,000 per hectare, plus ₹5,000 per hectare for planting material. The planting material subsidy is ₹10 per plant, up to a maximum of 500 plants per hectare.

Can I get help if I own more than 2 hectares in Kerala or Tamil Nadu?

Under this scheme, for traditional areas like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, eligibility for assistance is for growers owning rubber land not exceeding 2.00 hectares. The planting grant itself is limited to an area of 1.00 hectare.

What kind of identity proof is accepted for this scheme?

The preferred documents for identity proof are your Voter ID, PAN card, Driving Licence, or Passport.

Are there any land types that are not eligible for this scheme?

Yes, land that has been notified or certified as paddy fields in official documents is not eligible for any kind of assistance under this scheme.