Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries & Environmental Issues
Intro:
Rubber is a critical industrial crop, primarily produced in tropical climates. Natural rubber is extracted from Hevea brasiliensis trees, with over 90% of global output concentrated in Asia.
Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries:
1. Southeast Asia (dominates global production):
- Thailand – Largest producer (~35% of global output).
- Indonesia – Second largest; concentrated in Sumatra & Kalimantan.
- Vietnam, Malaysia – Major exporters.
- Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos – Emerging producers.
2. South Asia:
- India – 4th largest producer; major states: Kerala (90%), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
- Sri Lanka – Traditional producer with sustainable practices.
3. Africa:
- Côte d’Ivoire – Leading African producer.
- Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia – Increasing cultivation.
4. Latin America:
- Brazil – Native origin; limited by South American Leaf Blight (SALB).
- Guatemala, Mexico – Smaller producers.
Major Environmental Issues Faced:
1. Deforestation & Biodiversity Loss:
- Clearing of tropical forests for monoculture plantations (e.g., in Thailand, Indonesia).
- Loss of habitat for endangered species (e.g., Sumatran tiger, orangutan).
2. Soil Degradation:
- Monocropping depletes soil nutrients.
- Increased use of fertilizers/pesticides impacts soil health.
3. Water Resource Stress:
- Rubber plantations reduce water table due to high evapotranspiration.
- Pollution from agrochemicals affects aquatic ecosystems.
4. Carbon Emissions:
- Forest clearing and burning release significant GHGs.
- Rubber expansion linked to increased CO₂ levels in SE Asia.
5. Land Conflicts & Displacement:
- Expansion into indigenous and community lands, e.g., in Cambodia and Myanmar.
6. Pest & Disease Outbreaks:
- Leaf fall diseases, SALB affect yields; increased use of fungicides impacts environment.
7. Climate Change Vulnerability:
- Rubber trees are sensitive to rainfall variability and extreme temperatures.
Conclusion:
Rubber-producing countries, mainly in the tropics, face growing environmental concerns due to unsustainable expansion. A shift towards agroforestry, sustainable certification (e.g., FSC), and ecosystem-based management is essential to mitigate ecological damage.
