Are we at the dawn of GM rubber era?

It may sound unacceptable in the beginning; but as long as natural rubber is having nil alternatives or substitutes, support for Genetically Modified rubber will find resonance in the planting community.

Indian Rubber Growers Association had given full throttle support to GM rubber on account of global demand surge.

The statistics are in their favor: according to Rubber Board, the official agency entrusted to oversee rubber cultivation and production in the country, India’s domestic demand for rubber would touch 948,000 tons in the current fiscal as against 930,565 tons in 2009-10.

During the period stretching from April to January, India had consumed 789,230 tons of natural rubber when compared to 775,565 tons for the same period in previous year.

However, India’s natural rubber production for 2010-11 is estimated to be 893,000 tons. This would result in a deficit of 55000 tons.

This has pushed up prices in the domestic market. Prices went as far as Rs.250 a kilogram and bled the tyre manufacturing industry. They pummeled for import duty reduction which eventually brought down the duty on natural rubber to 8% from a high of 20%.

Still, as of the fiscal year’s end, the deficit runs.

The problem with natural rubber cultivation is that the crop is too sensitive to climatic changes and can be grown only in places where tropical climate prevails. Currently, there are only a few countries that grow rubber abundantly, with Thailand and Indonesia occupying top slot in production volumes.

In India, Kerala stands first in natural rubber production, accounting for about 90% of India’s production. But with space constraints prevailing, expanding rubber acreage is a major issue.

Tripura has been identified as another potential producer, but efforts to bring about production in the region will take time given many factors, including Maoist menace.

With demand soaring and acreage tearing the seams, the way out to address the situation is by enhancing rubber productivity and protecting the available resources from further deterioration.

No wonder, the GM debate has erupted. The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee of India had given approval for field trials for natural rubber in India past November.

This has kick started a fresh debate with the government of Kerala maintaining an anti-GM policy envisioned to keep the state GM-free.

There are fears expressed by various quarters that promoter elements introduced in gene manipulation of natural rubber may prove to be hazardous: NPT2 gene extracted from E.Coli bacteria and GUS reporter gene.

Experts point out that, unlike the major gene introduced to manipulate the structure and give out desired results—Mn-SOD (Manganese Super Oxide Dismutase); which is a natural component extracted from natural rubber—the NPT2 gene and GUS reporter gene do not promote any genetic changes and is absolutely safe.

These genes protect natural rubber from Tapping Panel Dryness and prolonged drought.

If the Maharashtra Government allows for field trials, India may soon see the same being carried out in a couple of months.

As published in:http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Are-we-at-the-dawn-of-GM-rubber-era-36381-3-1.html#