Major Milestone for India’s Rubber Industry
India Rolls Out iSNR to Promote Global Standards in Rubber Sustainability: India launched the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) program on January 21, 2025, in Kottayam, Kerala, a key hub for rubber farming. The initiative marks a major step in aligning India’s rubber production with global environmental norms. Key dignitaries like Minister of State George Kurian and MLA Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan attended the launch, supported by the Rubber Board of India.
Inclusive and Free Certification Model
A standout feature of the iSNR is that it offers free-of-cost sustainability certification to small-scale rubber growers. This means farmers won’t bear extra financial burden to get globally accepted eco-labels, making the transition to responsible farming accessible and inclusive.
Complying with Global Trade Requirements
The framework is designed to be compliant with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This enables Indian rubber exports to meet strict European market criteria, thus keeping them competitive on the international stage and showcasing India’s climate-responsible trade approach.
Three Core Focus Areas
The iSNR model operates around three primary pillars:
- Zero-deforestation rule, ensuring no forest areas are cleared for rubber plantations.
- Farmer empowerment, including training and access to sustainable cultivation methods.
- End-to-end traceability, ensuring every step from cultivation to final sale is trackable and transparent.
Digital Integration via TRST01
To manage compliance and monitoring, the platform has partnered with TRST01, a digital technology provider. The platform enables real-time data tracking, automated documentation, and simplified compliance management for farmers and stakeholders. This ensures transparency across the supply chain.
Advancing India’s Climate Goals
The iSNR initiative complements India’s broader commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. It contributes to environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, placing India among global leaders in climate-aligned agricultural innovation.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Detail |
| Launch Date | January 21, 2025 |
| Launch Location | Kottayam, Kerala |
| Scheme Name | Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) |
| Certification Cost | Free for smallholder rubber farmers |
| International Alignment | European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) |
| Tech Partner | TRST01 – Monitoring & Traceability Support |
| Linked Commitments | UN SDGs, Paris Climate Goals |
