To address inefficiencies in its domestic natural rubber (NR) supply chain, the Rubber Board of India is introducing a digital transformation strategy — establishing an e-commerce trading platform to reshape how the rubber commodity market operates nationwide.
“Mrube” — The New Digital Marketplace for Rubber
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The new platform, called “Mrube,” will enable online trading of natural rubber, providing buyers and sellers across India with broader access and greater transparency, regardless of geographic boundaries.
According to a senior official from the Rubber Board, the initiative aims to overcome long-standing challenges in rubber marketing, including limited market visibility, shrinking dealer networks, and large-scale unclassified rubber trading.
Boosting Market Efficiency and Transparency
Smallholders and cooperatives in India have long struggled to grade and certify rubber quality, leading to inconsistent production standards.
Additionally, the number of licensed dealers has declined sharply, from 10,512 in 2000 to just 7,135 in 2020 — a worrying trend that limits competition and efficiency in the market.
The Mrube platform simplifies registration for approved users via the Rubber Board’s licensing portal, allowing buyers and sellers to filter partners based on location, volume, grade, and customer ratings.
Each participant will have a personalized trading page linked to verified suppliers, and transactions will become legally binding upon confirmation — ensuring accountability and trust between parties.
Introducing Quality Certification and Secure Payment Systems
One of the platform’s major innovations is the introduction of a quality certification framework — a “game changer” for India’s domestic rubber market.
Despite rubber being a key input for the automotive, footwear, and manufacturing industries, no formal quality certification system has existed for local trade until now.
To ensure payment security, the Rubber Board has partnered with scheduled banks to manage escrow accounts, eliminating risks for both buyers and sellers.
The platform also plans to offer zero-interest credit lines for sellers — a first in India’s commodity trading history.
Launch Schedule and Mobile Accessibility
Currently in its final testing phase, the Mrube portal is expected to go live by May 2022.
Both Android and iOS mobile app versions are ready, enabling farmers, cooperatives, and industrial buyers to trade conveniently and transparently via smartphone.