Just concluded 2021 will stand out as a defining year for the tyre industry in India as it embarked upon an ambitious initiative – Charting a path to greater raw material security by attaining self-reliance in natural rubber (NR) availability.

The journey to become self-reliant is not new for the Indian tyre industry. The industry was amongst the first ones to become self-sufficient much before the slogan of being Atma Nirbhar was coined. For years, India has been producing practically all the tyres it requires making it one of the few countries that are self-dependent in tyre manufacturing. Much before a vehicle is rolled out, the tyre Industry is ready with the fitments having worked out specifications and standards to the minutest details.

While India has developed globally competitive tyre manufacturing capabilities, realising the vision of being Atma Nirbhar necessitates achieving self-sufficiency of the entire value chain in view of strong backward and forward linkages.

In this context, the ATMA NR project, launched during the year, attains all the more importance. Natural rubber is a key raw material for the Indian tyre industry. Unlike the global scenario where the ratio is skewed in favour of synthetic rubber, Indian industry stands out for its unique preference for NR.

However, NR demand has been outstripping domestic supply and the gap is widening. Going forward, the situation may become more challenging for the NR Consuming interests. Imports may not be sustainable considering the strategic importance of NR as raw material and also in view of large outflows of foreign exchange that the Government has been trying to discourage.

As one of its kind initiatives that could hold a template for several other raw material intensive sectors, the NR Project is designed to implement the scheme for developing a substantial 200,000 hectares of rubber plantations in the North Eastern states financially supported by major tyre companies, represented by ATMA with technical support and coordination by the Rubber Board.

This collaborative project in PPP mode involving tyre majors, Rubber Board and financing institutions is a landmark initiative where the consuming industry would be contributing directly to the development of plantation.

The project took off early in the year with a visit to the North East (Tripura, Meghalaya & Assam) by top leadership from ATMA Member companies along with Dr KN Raghavan, Executive Director of Rubber Board in February 2021 to get a first-hand understanding of ground level situation and connect with state leadership and policy makers.

Minister for Commerce & Industry (CIM), Government of India Piyush Goyal has been the prime motivating force, mentoring the project at every step right from the inception. A meeting convened by the Minister in the month of June 2021 discussed threadbare the launch of the project and the road ahead. The CIM proposed a meeting with the chief ministers of North-Eastern states to take them on board, seek their full support and fast track the project. The CIM even offered to speak to the CMs to inform them about the wider benefits of the NR Project for their respective states.

Since availability of planting material locally in North East states was a challenge, plans were made to transport the saplings from Kerala to the North East by rail. Few thousand saplings were initially sent as a pilot which reached Guwahati in good condition.

 It was an emotional moment for all the stakeholders in natural rubber sector, when the first full consignment was sent by a special train 'Bharathappuzha - Brahmaputra Rubber Express', to Azara, Guwahati, from Thiruvalla Railway Station on 10th July 21. It carried 1.33 lakh rubber saplings packed in specially designed cartons. These saplings were distributed in the NE states for planting in the identified areas.

Eventually, Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura formally launched the NR Project under Chief Minister's Rubber Mission on 14th August 21 at Pathaliaghat in Sepahijala district of Tripura and the project is shaping up well ever since.

 India has emerged as a front runner as the world pursues alternatives to China in the field of manufacturing. Given the spirit of entrepreneurship backed by the policy reforms, the country is poised to play its due role in the global supply chains.

At the same time, the need for raw material security cannot be over emphasised as India looks to become the manufacturing hub of the world. It goes to the credit of the Government that it has shown keen interest in enabling policies to encourage domestic manufacturing, including tyre and allied sectors.

The fact that the ATMA NR Project could see the light of the day under the shadow of ongoing pandemic says a lot about the commitment of all the stakeholders to fight against odds. That surely augurs well for raw material security and sustainability as we welcome the New Year.

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Trelleborg Tires officially launched the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, a significant innovation for the specialised vineyard and orchard sector, at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025 show. This new model is distinguished as the first conventional VF tyre specifically engineered for these demanding applications, where protecting the soil and ensuring operational stability are critical priorities.

The tyre's performance stems from the integration of VF and ProgressiveTraction technologies. The award-winning ProgressiveTraction system employs a unique double-edge lug design that substantially improves grip and stability. This configuration provides up to 15 percent more traction than standard competitor tyres, which in turn boosts productivity and fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, the VF technology allows the tyre to function at significantly lower inflation pressures without sacrificing load capacity. This capability is vital for minimising soil compaction, offering up to 40 percent greater load-bearing ability and eight percent better soil protection compared to conventional tyres. This makes the TM200 particularly well-suited for tractors using heavy front-mounted implements, enabling precise work while preserving soil structure.

Beyond traction and soil care, the tyre’s reinforced VF carcass delivers exceptional lateral stability, a key safety feature on sloped and uneven terrain. Comparative testing indicates a 26 percent improvement in lateral stability and a 10 percent longer service life relative to standard market alternatives. These attributes contribute to safer operation, reduced fuel consumption and greater long-term durability. For added convenience, each tyre includes a unique QR code, providing farmers with immediate access to detailed product information, usage guidelines, and technical support.

This launch reflects Trelleborg's broader commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through high-quality engineering. The TM200 ProgressiveTraction exemplifies this mission, offering a field-proven solution that combines performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for modern farming.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “With the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, Trelleborg Tires continues to tread the future of the agricultural tyre industry. We are proud to introduce VF technology to specialised tractors for vineyard and orchard operations, supporting farmers in reaching new levels of performance, control and operating efficiency – transforming innovation into real advantages for tomorrow’s agriculture.”

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Alliance, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tyres, introduced the Agri Star II Row Crop tyre, a significant new product extending its proven technology into the specialised row crop segment, at the Agritechnica 2025 show. This launch represents a strategic expansion of the successful Agri Star II series, which has achieved remarkable commercial success with one million units sold since its 2020 debut. Building on this momentum and driven by farmer feedback, the company has adapted its core Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) for the specific demands of row crop equipment, such as sprayers.

The new tyre is engineered as a comprehensive solution for the high-speed, multi-terrain nature of contemporary farming. It is designed for reliable performance both on the road and in the field, offering enhanced traction, greater longevity and improved road handling, all supported by a 7-year warranty. Central to its performance is the proprietary Stratified Layer Technology, which constructs each lug with two distinct layers to maintain consistent performance throughout the tyre's life. This design not only boosts braking and roadability but also helps protect crops by minimising soil compaction.

Further ensuring durability, the tyre features a robust build with integrated stubble guards and advanced, wear-resistant compounds to defend against common hazards like cuts and cracks. Its enhanced speed rating of up to 70 kmph meets the demands of modern, efficient farm logistics. To provide a tailored fit for a wide array of machinery, the Agri Star II Row Crop will be available in a comprehensive selection of sizes, ranging from 24 to 54 inches.

This product introduction reinforces Alliance’s ‘Always By Your Side’ brand philosophy and its 70-year legacy of agricultural innovation. By delivering a customised solution for the row crop category, the company aims to solidify its market position and continue addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO, Yokohama-ATG, said, “At Alliance, we take pride in our ability to adapt and innovate based on customer feedback. The Agri Star II Row Crop tyre is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with solutions that address their specific challenges. By bringing our proven SLT technology to the row crop segment, we aim to set new standards for performance and reliability in this category.”

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The valedictory function for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 at the Rubber Board served as a significant culmination to the week-long campaign, held from 27 October to 2 November. The event, which aligned with the Central Vigilance Commission's directives, aimed to champion integrity and galvanise a collective stand against corruption in public life.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Honourable Principal District and Sessions Judge for Kottayam, Manoj M, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the severe detrimental effects of corruption on a developing economy, stating that it fundamentally undermines the constitutional values of justice and rights. He elaborated that corruption extends beyond bribery to include misappropriation, misconduct and nepotism, all of which erode the foundation of public institutions.

M Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, set the tone by welcoming the gathering and underscoring that the fight against corruption is a shared duty which must begin with individual accountability. A highlight of the function was the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held for students and Board employees during the observance week. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sreevidya P, the Assistant Vigilance Officer, formally bringing the awareness campaign to a close.

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JK Tyre & Industries Limited has reinforced its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards by achieving a top-tier rating of CareEdge ESG 1+. This prestigious accolade, supported by an impressive overall score of 81.2, places the company well above the industry average.

The high rating is a direct result of the firm's exceptional management of ESG risks, which is demonstrated through superior disclosures and robust policies. Key to this performance is the company's strategic focus on proactive carbon and energy management, backed by sophisticated monitoring systems and major investments in renewable energy and decarbonisation technologies.

Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.  said, “It gives me immense pride that our company JK Tyre has been rated CareEdge ESG 1+, the highest ESG rating for the 3rd consecutive year. This is a recognition of our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, ethical business practices and social responsibility in addition to a key driver to long-term value creation, risk management and operational resilience. We have achieved the industry leading ESG score of 81.2, which is a strong validation of our disciplined approach to integrating sustainability into our core business and financial strategy.”

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