IMMM2020_55
Framework for Assessing Land Suitability for
Rubber Cultivation in Kerala
Reshma Elizabeth George
M. Planning (Housing): Department of Architecture,
College of Engineering Trivandrum,
Thiruvananthapuram 695017, India
Reshmageorge51@gmail.com
Abstract—Assessing crop suitability and land suitability analysis
is an important step in Sustainable Agriculture. Rubber has great
demand in various sectors and was introduced as a plantation crop
in Kerala in the beginning of the nineteenth century. Due to its
physiographic, soil, climatic and economic favorability, Rubber
cultivation gained popularity among farmers which triggered the
expansion of Natural Rubber cultivation in Kerala. As a plantation
crop, it replaced natural vegetation and forests and as a small
holding crop, it led to the conversion of agricultural land. However,
expansion and prolonged Rubber cultivation in Kerala over the years
has raised concern as several studies have indicated the negative
environmental implications associated with Rubber cultivation. Also,
there is a huge pressure on the limited resources of the state, which
urges for the critical analysis of land development. In Kerala, where
rubber is already under cultivation, suitability assessment helps in
understanding the potentials and limitations of different areas for
setting priorities in allocating costly and scarce inputs. Therefore,
the aim of this research is to critically analyze the environmental
impacts of Rubber cultivation and to establish the need for land
suitability assessment for Rubber cultivation in Kerala. A multi-
criteria decision-making framework which includes a set of bio-
physical, spatial planning and locational factors was developed to
assess the land suitability for rubber cultivation. This multi criteria
framework can be used to map and assess the suitability- highly
suitable, moderate, least suitable and not-suitable-of an area for
Rubber cultivation in Kerala.
Keywords—Land suitability, crop suitability, Rubber cultivation,
plantation crop, multi criteria framework
I. INTRODUCTION
Rubber was introduced as a plantation crop in Kerala in the
beginning of the nineteenth century. Due to its physiographic,
climatic, soil and economic favorability, Rubber cultivation
gained popularity among farmers which triggered the
expansion of Rubber cultivation in Kerala and also introduced
the entry of small holding farmers into the rubber industry. At
present, there are two types of rubber cultivation based on area
and ownership identified by the Rubber Board of India, which
are small holdings and estate. A small holding is defined as ‘a
rubber area contiguous or non-contiguous aggregating 10 ha
or less under a single ownership.’(Indian Rubber Statistics,
vol.39, 2018). An estate is defined as a ‘Land contiguous or
non-contiguous aggregating more than 10 ha planted with
rubber under a single ownership.’ (Indian Rubber Statistics,
vol.39, 2018). According to the Rubber Amendment Act 2009,
the rubber growers possessing an area of 10 ha and above an
Shailaja Nair
Professor: Department of Architecture,
College of Engineering Trivandrum,
Thiruvananthapuram 695017, India
sajanshailaja@gmail.com
area of 10 ha and above are classified as large rubber growers,
(Indian Rubber Statistics, vol.39, 2018). The economic value of
Natural Rubber reached a peak in market value in 2011, which
encouraged more farmers to shift their agricultural practices
into rubber cultivation (Alexander & Beth- Haran, 2016). As a
plantation estate crop, it replaced natural vegetation and forests
and as a small holding crop, it led to the conversion of
agricultural land. The factors which lead to the transition of this
mono crop includes population growth, market and demand,
internal migration, government policy and incentives.
(Chattopadhyay, 2015) At present, Kerala is the highest Rubber
producing state in India. Rubber cultivation covers about 21%
of the total agricultural land in Kerala and comes second after
coconut. (Chattopadhyay, 2015)
A. Need for the study
Over the last decade, several studies have indicated the
negative environmental implications of Natural Rubber
cultivation, especially after the large-scale expansion of rubber
into the North-eastern region of India.
Chattopadhyay et al (2015) have reported some of
the environmental consequences of Rubber plantations in
Kerala. Karunakaran et al (2013) have analyzed the
environmental and economic perspective of rubber cultivation
in Kasaragod district. Fox et al (2014) have critically assessed
the expansion of rubber and its implications in South East Asia.
A study was conducted in Xishuangbanna, China regarding the
impacts of rubber plantations on biodiversity and local water
balances. A few research studies have also assessed the
environmental and socio-economic impacts of rubber in
Tripura.
India comes second in the global scenario when it comes to the
consumption of rubber after China. To satisfy the demands for
rubber in various sectors and to reduce import of rubber,
government had supported the expansion of rubber cultivation
into favorable areas. But the impacts of prolonged rubber
cultivation and a deeper understanding of land suitability for
Natural rubber cultivation has not been studied much, In spite
of the large-scale expansion. The introduction of Natural
Rubber cultivation into the north-eastern region was recent and
it was well documented through GIS environment. In the
similar way, rubber related studies and mapping related to
Kerala will give a thorough understanding of the potentials and
limitations of the land related to rubber cultivation.
B. Aim
To formulate a framework for assessing land suitability for
Rubber cultivation in Kerala.
C. Objectives
1) To conduct a background study on the economic,
spatial and environmental aspects of Natural rubber
cultivation in Kerala.
2) To identify framework for assessing land suitability for
Natural rubber cultivation in Kerala, which can be further
applied in testing land suitability in GIS environment.
D. Methodology
Methodology for this study can be classified into three stages
which include data collection, analysis and mapping.
Preliminary literature studies related to rubber, environment
and land management led to the identification of issues and
need for the study. Further research led to the formation of
research questions, defining the aim and objectives for the
study. After identifying the aim and objectives, literature case
studies related were studied and the combined analysis of
literature case studies was conducted. This led to the initial
drafting of multi-criteria framework for rubber suitability.
Initial framework along with weight for each criterion was
identified which was then discussed with experts and
agricultural scientists to finalize the framework which included
various bio-physical, spatial planning and locational factors
related to land suitability for rubber cultivation.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Introduction to Rubber
The Rubber tree, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis, is
native to Central and South America's tropical rainforests. It is
the only identified major source of natural rubber and also one
of the most successful examples of domesticated cash crop
species in the world. The commercial spread of rubber
production began in the 1870s, when Hevea seeds were
planted in India by the British transported from Brazil.
(George & Jacob, 2000)
The rubber tree is made of softwood and
has a straight thick trunk characterized by light, brownish grey
bark. It grows up to a height of 30m in the wild and is
deciduous in nature. The milky latex, extracted from the
rubber tree is the primary source of natural rubber. Latex is the
white rubber liquid consisting of a mixture of water,
hydrocarbons, resins, fats, proteins, acids, salts and sugar. The
latex, which seeps from the lower part of the trunk, is the only
commodity of rubber which has commercial importance, its
bark and branches are used as firewood and pegs.

Figure 1. Methodology Flow chart

(Source: author generated)

E. Scope
This research has the potential to explore more into
agricultural land management, environmental economics and
the existing scenario of Rubber cultivation. This study aims to
understand the various factors critical for determining the land
suitability related to rubber cultivation. Also, this research can
identify the potential areas of land suitability for Natural
rubber cultivation, which can create awareness among
planners, decision makers and agriculturists regarding land
management with rubber.
F. Limitation
Figure 2. Rubber tree
This study focuses on spatial aspects even though socio- (Source: www.britannica.com)
economic aspects are related to it. Therefore, socio-economic
The Rubber plant has 7 years of immature phase and has a
aspects are not covered in this study. This research involves
productive phase of 25 years up to 32 years, after that the land
complex models, weightage determining methods for analysis.
is cleared for planting the next phase of rubber saplings.
 Figure 4. Growth in area and production of rubber cultivation in Kerala
(1960-2010)
(Source: Reference [9])

C. Spatial distribution of Rubber cultivation in Kerala

The Spatial distribution of Rubber cultivation in Kerala is
highly influenced by physiographic, soil and climatic
characteristics. The total tapped area under rubber cultivation
in Kerala covers about 5, 51,050 ha as per Indian Rubber
statistics report, 2018. Kottayam is the highest rubber
Figure 3. Lifecycle of Rubber trees
(Source: Reference [4]) producing district in Kerala with 1, 14,410 ha of area under
rubber, producing 1, 10,000 tons of rubber annually.
B. History of Rubber cultivation in Kerala
The major growth of the rubber plantation industry in India
was initially due to the expansion of the Kerala rubber
cultivation in 1860s. Plantation Agriculture, in general,
emerged in the native state of Travancore, Cochin and
Malabar area of Madras Presidency (which was later
constituted as State of Kerala) only during 1860s compared to
earlier beginnings in other plantations districts of South India
(1820s), Assam and Bengal (1840s) and Ceylon (1830s). The
state’s plantation history began with plantations of coffee and
cardamom, and then shifted to tea and eventually rubber. The
geographical and agro-climate suitability for rubber
cultivation in Kerala have been good. The liberal rules
formulated in Travancore & Cochin for the distribution of
forest and waste land, initiated the growth and further
expansion of rubber. Initially plantations came on government
forest land leased at very nominal prices. In view of the
growing demand, the Government of India government passed
the 1947 Rubber (Production and Marketing) Act, and further
established the Rubber Board. (George & Jacob, 2000)
The first Travancore rubber estate was
cultivated at Thattekad on the banks of the Periyar River in
1902. By 1910, the total area under rubber was over 6800
acres. Due to economic favourability, late 1950s witnessed the
introduction of small holding sector in rubber cultivation. At
present, Kerala has 5,51,050 ha of area under rubber as per
2018 Indian Rubber statistics. Figure 5. Distribution of natural rubber cultivation in Kerala (2012-2013)
(Source: Reference [8])
D. Environmental implications of Rubber cultivation cited by
various authors
Over the last decade, several studies have reported the
environmental impacts of rubber cultivation, both in the macro
and micro level. The Table below lists the environmental
implications of Rubber cultivation cited by various authors.
Figure 6. Environmental implications cited by various authors
(Source: author combined based on Reference [5], [6], [9], [11], [14])
III. LITERATURE CASE STUDIES
To study the land suitability for rubber cultivation done in
other countries, cases of Thailand and Malaysia were taken.
A. Literature Case study 1: Thailand
Thailand is the highest producer of Natural Rubber in the
world, with an increase of 4-7 percent annually in rubber
production. Rubber is the major cash crop in Thailand and has
been associated with socio-economic development due to its
productive value, export income, job opportunities and
improved living standards of people in the Rubber plantation
industry. Because Thailand has a tropical climate, it has
favored the expansion of rubber plantations, especially in
Thailand's forest areas where the area under rubber has grown
by 1.71 percent per year. The Southern region of Thailand has
a higher concentration of rubber plantations with 17, 08,800 ha
or 84.62 per cent of Thailand's total rubber growing area. (Ali,
Techato, Taweenkun, & Gyawali, 2018)
While rubber is one of
Thailand's principal cash crops, in terms of both area and
productivity, only limited research relating to rubber, crop
requirements and its land suitability has been conducted. An
analysis of land suitability is important for the sustainable
agricultural development of any crop and for proper land
management. In this report, the recommendations of the Food
& Agriculture Organization on land suitability are taken as the
accepted standard for an examination of land suitability. (Ali,
Techato, Taweenkun, & Gyawali, 2018)
a) Aim
The aim of the study was to use Multi Criteria decision
making along with GIS application to identify the highly
suitable rubber growing areas to achieve the vision of
sustainable development of the region. This research also aims
to design agriculture policies for crop development.
b) Data collection and Methodology
The Methodology adopted for this research involved both
quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and
analysis. The whole process of the study involved five steps
which includes defining the area for study purpose, data
collection, setting of different criteria related to rubber
suitability, assigning weight and score for each criterion and
land suitability assessment for rubber.
Figure 7. Methodology framework for rubber land suitability in Thailand
(Source: author generated based on literature case study)
c) Criteria setting
The parameters for land suitability were chosen in this study
according to the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO,
1983), Relevant literature on Natural Rubber available and
opinions given by 11 experts using the Delphi technique. The
experts were listed, which included academic researchers and
agricultural scientists from the (rubber) sector. The main aim
was to determine the suitability of land use for rubber
cultivation and was evaluated on the basis of two main
criteria: bio-physical and socio-economic. The bio-physical
category was divided into climate, topography and soil, while
the socio-economic category was divided into livelihood and
market. The sub-categories were again divided into slope and
elevation under Topography, rainfall and temperature under
climate and nutrients, texture, depth, PH and drainage under
soil. They were then categorized into four classes of
suitability: extremely suitable (HS), moderately suitable (MS),
low / marginal suitability (LS) and not suitable (NS). The
figure below shows the classification criteria and sub-criteria
for rubber land suitability analysis. (Ali, Techato, Taweenkun,
& Gyawali, 2018)
Figure 8. Classification criteria in land suitability analysis for rubber
cultivation
(Source: Reference [3])
 d) Determination of Weight and score for each
Criterion
The assigning and assessment of weightings to different
criteria is an important task in the suitability process using the
Multi Criteria Decision Making technique. Although there are
different techniques for the development of weight, it was
calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in this
analysis. In order to avoid and reduce individual biases in
factor weighting, pair wise comparison between pairs of
elements was made to list criteria and factors according to
their importance regarding rubber suitability. ‘A square matrix
was formed to compare each pair of factors and the
importance of each factor is assigned based on a scale of (1-9).
Solving this matrix will provide the weight of each factor
which is then used to find the consistency ratio (CR).’ (Ali,
Techato, Taweenkun, & Gyawali, 2018)

Figure 9. Criteria and sub-criteria and their weightings for rubber land
suitability analysis
(Source: Reference [3])
The Figure above shows the weightage and score of each
criterion related to rubber suitability analysis. From this
Figure, we can analyze that bio-physical aspects have more
weightage than socio-economic aspects.
In the current research, questionnaires were distributed to
experts to find the level of significance of each factor and their
opinions related to each factor were compared to those related
to other factors to determine their significance. (Ali, Techato,
Taweenkun, & Gyawali, 2018).
e) Results and Conclusion
Each criterion relevant to rubber land suitability assessment
was identified and the highly suitable, moderately suitable and
the least suitable conditions for each criterion were mapped
separately in ArcGIS software to identify the potential areas of
suitability and unsuitability.
Figure 10. Land suitability map of U-tapao river basin based on different
parameters: (A) Rainfall, (B) Slope, (C) Elevation, (D) pH, (E) Soil drainage,
(F) Soil depth, (G) Soil Nutrients, (H) Soil Texture, (I) Distance to major
road, (J) Distance to factory, (K) Population density, (L) Available land use
map
(Source: Reference [3])
The overall suitability map was obtained by combining the
individual suitability maps (Fig 11). The study concluded that
14.46% (333.34 km2) of the basin region was extremely
suitable for rubber, 84.48% (1901.35 km2) was moderately
suitable, 2.22% (51.07 km2) was less suitable and 0.83%
(19.24 km2) was unsuitable for rubber cultivation. From the
overall map obtained, it was found that the most suitable
rubber-growing areas lies in the northern part of the basin are
due to their fertile soil and ample water resources. The overall
suitability map was compared with the land use / cover map for
2009 to examine the potential areas for rubber cultivation. (Ali,
Techato, Taweenkun, & Gyawali, 2018). The Figure below
shows the overall combined map. The study concluded that
overall bio-physical factors are more important than socio-
economic factors.
 Through GIS overlaying technique, Rubber land suitability
evaluation model structure was developed.

Figure 12. Rubber land suitability map of Seremban (Source: Reference [1])

C. Literature Case study 3: Wayanad

a) Introduction
This study attempts to assess the soils of Wayanad District,
Figure 11. Map of land use suitability for rubber cultivation in the U-tapao
River basin Kerala for their suitability to tea, cardamom and. rubber
(Source: Reference [3]) cultivation.
B. Literature Case study 2: Malaysia b) Aim
The aim of the study is to combine non-spatial data (soil, land
a) Introduction
and climate attribute data) integrated with crop specific
Land suitability evaluation (LSE) is a valuable tool for land criterions to evaluate specified crop suitability.
use planning in most of the countries. The increased
c) Methodology
population and urbanization pressure on the available land
resources may result in land degradation, which raise the need The method of analysis of the study included identifying the
for Land suitability evaluation. study area, data collection and land evaluation.
b) Aim d) Result
The aim of the study was to provide for an up-to-date GIS- The analysis provided the crop suitability requirements which
based agricultural land suitability evaluation (ALSE) for was divided into highly suitable, moderate, less and not
identifying and determining, potential land for rubber suitable classes.
cultivation.
c) Methodology
The method of analysis for this research involves
identification of the study area which is the Seremban district
of Malaysia. Data collection of topography, climatic data, soil
map and land use map relevant to rubber suitability was
collected. The eligibility criteria for the crop were chosen
Figure 13. Rubber requirements in Wayanad District
according to the FAO framework (FAO, 1983), relevant (Source: Reference [7])
literature, opinions of agricultural specialists and researchers.
After the fixing of criteria, suitable weightage was assigned to
each factor to analyze the importance of each factor.
d) Result
 IV. ANALYSIS
A. Analysis of Literature Case study 1: Thailand
From the case study of land suitability for rubber in Thailand,
we can analyze that the criteria selected for the assessment is
divided into three main layers. The first layer of criteria is
broadly classified into bio-physical and socio-economic
factors in which the bio-physical factors are given more
weightage than the socio-economic factors. In the second
layer, the bio-physical factor is again divided into low shows
the diagrammatic representation of the analysis of literature
case study mentioned above.
Figure 14. Criteria and weightage chart for Rubber Land suitability analysis
(Source: author generated based on Reference [3])
B. Analysis of Literature Case study 2: Malaysia
From the case study of Malaysia, the following analysis have
been derived. The Figure below shows the analysis and listing
of criteria from literature case study 2.
Figure 15. Final analysis of literature case study 2
(Source: based on Reference [1])
C. Analysis of Literature Case study 3: Wayanad
From the case study of land suitability analysis for rubber in
Wayanad, six major criteria are selected to analyze the land
suitability for rubber in Wayanad district. They are mean
temperature, total rainfall, slope, texture, pH and effective soil
depth. Each of the criterions have optimal conditions
according to which it is again classified into four categories
which includes S1-very suitable land, S2-moderately suitable
land, S3-marginally suitable land and N-not suitable land. The
optimal range for the crop suitability determines the weightage
and score for each criterion. The Figure below shows the final
land suitability attributes which should be taken from this
literature case study.
Figure 16. Crop requirements for rubber in Wayanad
(Source: Reference [7])
D. Combined Analysis and comparison of Multi criteria for
Rubber land suitability based on bio-physical factors
The Figure below shows the combined analysis and listing of
bio-physical factors for analyzing land suitability for rubber
cultivation.
Figure 17. Comparison of criteria for rubber land suitability based on bio-
physical aspects
(Source: author generated based on multi criteria from literature case
studies)
The bio-physical factors that affect the productivity of rubber
or determine the land suitability for rubber cultivation are
climatic parameters like rainfall, temperature. But relative
humidity and wind speed criteria is considered in some studies
(Menon, 2014). Topographic factors include slope and
elevation. Soil characteristics include texture, depth, pH, soil
drainage and soil nutrients. Also, coarse fragments, cation
exchange capacity, base saturation and organic matter is also
considered in some studies (Menon, 2014)
E. Analysis of Multi criteria for Rubber land suitability based
on spatial planning factors
Apart from the Bio-physical factors regarding land suitability
for rubber cultivation, certain spatial planning factors should
also be considered while assessing land suitability for rubber
cultivation. Regarding spatial mapping, the result of
overlapping of land suitability maps related to bio-physical
factors will generate an overall map depicting the highly
suitable and not suitable area of classifications which can be
again analyzed in the light of planning factors such as present
land use/ land cover, land value, ground water depth, ground
water quality, urban or rural character of the land, proximity to
major road and proximity to city urban built up land. The table
below lists other criteria relevant to land suitability regarding
spatial planning.
Figure 18. Analysis and comparison of Multi-criteria for Rubber land
suitability
(Source: Author generated based on case studies)
V. CONCLUSION
Rubber is one of the largest agricultural plantations in Kerala.
It is mainly being raised under small holdings, thereby
involving a large number of farmers. But to analyze the
growth, potential and limitation of this sector and also to
assess the change in the crop pattern trends and management,
land suitability analysis must be done. To assess the land
suitability for rubber cultivation, the Suitability analysis
techniques integrate four basic factors of any land which are
bio-physical, socio-economic and spatial planning factors. The
framework combining all these factors can be used in the
further spatial mapping of land suitability for rubber
cultivation. Site specific monitoring of various environmental
parameters and in-depth analysis is required to arrive at
definite conclusions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I express our sincere gratitude to Retired Chief Town Planner,
Kasthuri Rangan A, for his steady guidance and creative
suggestions during the course of this semester. I also like to
thank the scientists of the Rubber Research Institute, Dr Binu
Chandy, Dr Joshua Abraham, Dr. Annamalai and Dr. Pradeep
for their valuable guidance and support. I also like to thank Dr.
Usha Mathew of Agriculture College Vellayani, for her inputs
and opinions. I express my sincere gratitude to the Land Use
Board, Vikas Bhavan for helping me with the relevant data
collection.
REFERENCES
[1] Ahmed, G. B., & Shariff, A. R. (2017). GIS-Based Land Suitability
Mapping for Rubber Cultivation in Seremban, Malaysia. International
Journal of Applied Engineering Research.
[2] Alexander, S. T., & Haran, B. (2016). Decline in Rubber prices in
Kerala: A Case of Vallicode Panchayat in Pathanamthitta District.
Journal of Economic & Social Development, Vol. - XII, No.
[3] Ali, S., Techato, K., Taweenkun, J., & Gyawali, S. (2018). Assessment
of land use suitability for natural rubber using GIS in the U-tapao River
basin, Thailand. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences.
[4] Arshad, A. M. (2017). Land evaluation for rubber cultivation.
International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural research.
[5] Chattopadhyay, S. (2015). Environmental Consequences of Rubber
plantations in Kerala. NRPPD Discussion Paper.
[6] Fox, J. (2019). Through the Technology Lens: The Expansion of Rubber
and its Implications in Montane Mainland Southeast Asia. Journal of
Conservation and Society.
[7] Gahlod, N. S., Binjola, S., Ravi, & Arya, V. S. (2017). Land-site
suitability evaluation for tea, cardamom and rubber using Geo-spatial
technology in Wayanad district, Kerala. Journal of Applied and Natural
Science.
[8] India, R. R. (2014). Satellite Survey of Natural rubber plantations in
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Rubber Research Institute of India.
[9] Karunakaran, N. (2013). Shift to Rubber cultivation and consequences
on environment and food security in Kerala. Journal of Rural
Development.
[10] Karunakaran, N. (2017). Determinants and price-volatility of Rubber
crop in Kerala. Journal of Economic & Social Development.
[11] Majumder, A., Datta, S., Choudhary, B. K., & Majumdar, K. (2014). Do
Extensive Rubber Plantation Influences Local Environment? A Case
Study from Tripura, Northeast India. Current World Environment.
[12] Menon, K. (2014). National Bureau of Soil Survey report.
[13] Meti, S., Rao, D., Nair, N. U., & Jacob, J. (2008). Distribution of
Natural Rubber cultivation in relation to soil and landscape attributes in
India.
[14] Roy, M., Saha, S., & Roy, M. (2014). Ecological Impact of rubber
plantations: Tripura perspective. International Journal of current
research, vol 6.
[15] Samarappuli, L., Wijesuriya, W., Dissanayake, D. M., Karunaratne, S.
B., & Herath, H. M. (2014). Land Suitability for Sustainable Rubber
Cultivation in Moneragala District. Journal of Environmental
Professionals Sri Lanka: 2014 – Vol. 3 – No. 1.