Puthuppally RRII in Keralam gets national model centre status for rubber clone testing

Image for representation | Photo Credit: ESWARRAJ R The Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) at Puthuppally in Kottayam has been designated as the model centre for testing the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) of rubber clones in the country. Rubber Board Chairman N. Hari formally dedicated the centre on Monday by planting clone rubber saplings from the institute’s reference collection. Rubber Board Executive Director M. Vasantha Geshan was the chief guest.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hari said the facility would help scientifically identify the characteristics of rubber clones and assess their distinctness, uniformity and stability. It would also help conserve the diversity of rubber and provide legal recognition and protection to new varieties developed in plantations. The initiative would strengthen rubber research and support the development of quality planting materials, he said.A statement said RRII has been selected as the country’s authorised DUS testing centre for rubber clones under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act. The Plant Authority in Delhi will issue registration certificates based on test certificates from RRII.The system is intended to protect the distinctiveness of plant varieties while safeguarding the production rights of farmers and breeders. It also provides a mechanism to establish the identity and distinctiveness of crop varieties developed by farmers before their registration with the Plant Authority.The recognition of RRII as the DUS testing centre will bring Keralam’s rubber farmers into the national system and provide them an opportunity to secure legal protection for new rubber varieties developed on their plantations, Mr. Hari added. Published - August 24, 2026 05:07 pm IST