April 25, 2024
Come on a journey through the lush green landscapes of Sri Lanka as we unravel the story of rubber plantations. From their historical roots to the innovative techniques shaping the industry today, we’ll explore how these plantations have become a vital part of the country’s economy. Learn about the sustainable practices and community impact championed by Lalan Rubber, and discover the fascinating interplay between tradition and modernity in Sri Lanka’s rubber industry.
The Story of Rubber Tree Plantations in Sri Lanka
Rubber tree plantations in Sri Lanka have their origins in the colonial era, tracing back to the 1870s when the coffee plantations were devastated by blight. In the wake of this crisis, various experiments were undertaken to find alternative crops suitable for cultivation.
Eventually, Sri Lanka, known then as Ceylon, was chosen by the colonial office as an ideal location for rubber cultivation due to its favorable geographical features and climate. Under the guidance of George Thwaites, seedlings were planted at the botanical garden in Gampaha.
The first rubber tree in Ceylon blossomed in 1881, marking the beginning of rubber cultivation in the country. Subsequent efforts focused on experimenting with tapping techniques to extract rubber from the trees. By 1893, approximately 90,000 rubber seeds were distributed to planters across Ceylon. The cultivation of rubber expanded rapidly, with around 180,085 hectares dedicated to rubber plantations by 1923.
Thus, the journey of rubber cultivation commenced in Sri Lanka, evolving into one of the nation’s primary agricultural commodities over time.
Who Brought Rubber Trees to Sri Lanka?
In the colonial era, Sir Joseph Hooker played a pivotal role in initiating rubber tree cultivation in Sri Lanka. Acting on his recommendation, 38 cases containing 1919 rubber seedlings were dispatched from Kew Gardens to Ceylon. This significant contribution solidifies Joseph Hooker’s legacy as the trailblazer behind the introduction of rubber plantations in Sri Lanka.
Where Can You Find Rubber Trees in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, rubber cultivation thrives in the tropical lowlands of the wet zone, typically below an altitude of 1400 feet. The size of rubber holdings varies considerably, categorized into two main types based on land usage. Smallholders manage plots under 8 hectares, while larger plantations, termed estates, encompass 8 hectares or more.
With a total land area of 127,500 hectares, Sri Lanka’s rubber plantations are predominantly concentrated in the wet zone. Key rubber-growing districts include Kegalle, Gampaha, Rathnapura, Kalutara, Colombo, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Matale, and Kurunegala. Additionally, rubber trees are cultivated in intermediate zone districts.
Presently, approximately 68,000 hectares of rubber plantations are privately owned, while 19 regional plantation companies oversee around 47,000 hectares of rubber land. Of the total 115,300 hectares, roughly 25,700 hectares are immature, leaving 89,600 hectares mature.
Traditionally confined to the wet zone, rubber cultivation expanded with the introduction of drought-resistant rubber clones by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Consequently, rubber tree planters began cultivating rubber in dry zone districts like Monaragala.
Rubber production in Sri Lanka
Once ranked as the world’s fourth-largest rubber producer, Sri Lanka has witnessed a transformation in its rubber industry over time, with the country’s role extending beyond raw rubber output, encompassing a diverse array of value-added products derived from natural rubber. These include,
For decades, Sri Lanka’s rubber tree plantations have been a vital source of natural rubber for the world market. With numerous opportunities emerging in global markets for natural rubber, Sri Lanka stands poised to emerge as a significant player in the rubber industry.
In 2017, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Plantation Industries launched a strategic initiative known as “The Rubber Master Plan,” spanning nine years. This plan was devised to facilitate the development and expansion of the rubber industry’s market share.
Anticipating a surge in global demand for rubber products, Sri Lankan rubber manufacturers aim to capitalize on these opportunities, projecting an export revenue of $3 billion by 2026.
RUBBER PLANTATIONS IN SRI LANKA
The Story of Rubber Tree Plantations in Sri Lanka
Rubber tree plantations in Sri Lanka have their origins in the colonial era, tracing back to the 1870s when the coffee plantations were devastated by blight. In the wake of this crisis, various experiments were undertaken to find alternative crops suitable for cultivation.
Eventually, Sri Lanka, known then as Ceylon, was chosen by the colonial office as an ideal location for rubber cultivation due to its favorable geographical features and climate. Under the guidance of George Thwaites, seedlings were planted at the botanical garden in Gampaha.
The first rubber tree in Ceylon blossomed in 1881, marking the beginning of rubber cultivation in the country. Subsequent efforts focused on experimenting with tapping techniques to extract rubber from the trees. By 1893, approximately 90,000 rubber seeds were distributed to planters across Ceylon. The cultivation of rubber expanded rapidly, with around 180,085 hectares dedicated to rubber plantations by 1923.
Thus, the journey of rubber cultivation commenced in Sri Lanka, evolving into one of the nation’s primary agricultural commodities over time.
Who Brought Rubber Trees to Sri Lanka?
In the colonial era, Sir Joseph Hooker played a pivotal role in initiating rubber tree cultivation in Sri Lanka. Acting on his recommendation, 38 cases containing 1919 rubber seedlings were dispatched from Kew Gardens to Ceylon. This significant contribution solidifies Joseph Hooker’s legacy as the trailblazer behind the introduction of rubber plantations in Sri Lanka.
Where Can You Find Rubber Trees in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, rubber cultivation thrives in the tropical lowlands of the wet zone, typically below an altitude of 1400 feet. The size of rubber holdings varies considerably, categorized into two main types based on land usage. Smallholders manage plots under 8 hectares, while larger plantations, termed estates, encompass 8 hectares or more.
With a total land area of 127,500 hectares, Sri Lanka’s rubber plantations are predominantly concentrated in the wet zone. Key rubber-growing districts include Kegalle, Gampaha, Rathnapura, Kalutara, Colombo, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Matale, and Kurunegala. Additionally, rubber trees are cultivated in intermediate zone districts.
Presently, approximately 68,000 hectares of rubber plantations are privately owned, while 19 regional plantation companies oversee around 47,000 hectares of rubber land. Of the total 115,300 hectares, roughly 25,700 hectares are immature, leaving 89,600 hectares mature.
Traditionally confined to the wet zone, rubber cultivation expanded with the introduction of drought-resistant rubber clones by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Consequently, rubber tree planters began cultivating rubber in dry zone districts like Monaragala.
Rubber production in Sri Lanka
Once ranked as the world’s fourth-largest rubber producer, Sri Lanka has witnessed a transformation in its rubber industry over time, with the country’s role extending beyond raw rubber output, encompassing a diverse array of value-added products derived from natural rubber. These include,
- Rubber gloves,
- Rubber bands, Latex mattresses,
- Mattress toppers,
- Pillows,
- Solid tires,
- And, Footwear.
For decades, Sri Lanka’s rubber tree plantations have been a vital source of natural rubber for the world market. With numerous opportunities emerging in global markets for natural rubber, Sri Lanka stands poised to emerge as a significant player in the rubber industry.
In 2017, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Plantation Industries launched a strategic initiative known as “The Rubber Master Plan,” spanning nine years. This plan was devised to facilitate the development and expansion of the rubber industry’s market share.
Anticipating a surge in global demand for rubber products, Sri Lankan rubber manufacturers aim to capitalize on these opportunities, projecting an export revenue of $3 billion by 2026.