Bridgestone Corporation-owned Bridgestone India has committed to support one lakh smallholder rubber farmers in Idukki and Kottayam districts in Kerala. In collaboration with the Netherlands-based NGO Solidaridad, Bridgestone India launched "UNNATI – a Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative", a project aimed at driving positive change within the rubber industry.

The initiative aims to promote a sustainable supply chain of natural rubber while enhancing the livelihoods of 5,000 smallholder rubber farmers. Moreover, it seeks to build capacities for 95,000 smallholder farmers in better rubber cultivation over a span of 4.5 years, commencing from 1 October 2022.

The programme will involve various elements, including sustainable practices, community development, capacity building and Research and development.

The project is aligned with the guidelines of Rubber Board of India’s essential topics such as field establishment, nutrient management, pest and disease control, latex harvest technology, wastewater management, and occupational health and safety.

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