Subject: Indian Geography

Answer:

The global rubber industry, dominated by Southeast Asian nations, plays a crucial role in the world economy while facing significant environmental challenges. The natural rubber production, concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, has emerged as a major driver of environmental degradation and ecological transformation in these areas.

Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries

• Southeast Asian Dominance:

  • Thailand leads global production with 5.2837 million metric tons of natural rubber.
  • Indonesia ranks second, producing 3.7907 million metric tons.
  • Other significant producers include Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

• South Asian Production:

  • India has emerged as a significant producer, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Sri Lanka maintains traditional rubber plantations in its wet zones.

Major Environmental Issues

• Deforestation and Land Use Changes:

  • Cambodia reports over 40% of rubber plantations linked to forest clearance.
  • Extensive forest conversion in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia for rubber cultivation.
  • Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats in tropical rainforests.

• Water-Related Challenges:

  • Rubber processing units discharge wastewater containing harmful pollutants like ammonia and heavy metals.
  • Deterioration of water quality in nearby water bodies.
  • Increased water stress due to intensive irrigation requirements.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

  • Higher emissions from recently converted forest lands (13-21 ton CO2-eq/ton of product).
  • Varying emission levels based on production method:
    • Concentrated latex: 0.54 ton CO2-eq/ton.
    • STR 20: 0.70 ton CO2-eq/ton.
    • RSS: 0.64 ton CO2-eq/ton.

The environmental challenges faced by rubber-producing nations necessitate urgent implementation of sustainable agriculture practices and strict environmental regulations. Countries must balance economic benefits with ecological conservation through initiatives like Forest Certification Programs and Green Rubber Production techniques to ensure long-term sustainability of the industry.