On February 21, 2026, Rubfarm, Kerala’s first rubber producers’ company, officially commenced its manufacturing operations in Kanjirappally, Kottayam. This collective, formed by a consortium of 32 Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS), represents a landmark shift toward value addition for small-scale rubber growers.
The initiative is designed to bypass traditional middlemen and provide farmers with a direct stake in the manufacturing process, effectively converting raw rubber sheets into high-value consumer products.
Flagship Product: Maya Growbags
Rubfarm’s entry into the market is centered on its eco-friendly alternative to plastic containers: Maya Growbags.
- Composition: These bags are manufactured by grinding rubber sheets sourced directly from shareholder farmers and blending them with specific materials to achieve the thickness and durability of a standard plant pot.
- Durability: Unlike plastic bags that degrade under UV exposure or ceramic pots that break, Maya Growbags are designed to last up to ten years of continuous use.
- Distribution: The company has secured state government permission to distribute these bags through the three-tier panchayat network, facilitating large-scale adoption in local agricultural projects.
Empowering the Small-Scale Grower
Rubfarm operates on a producer-centric economic model that prioritizes the financial health of its 32 member societies.
| Benefit Type | Description |
| Premium Pricing | Latex and sheets are procured at a price higher than the open market rate. |
| Patronage Bonus | Suppliers receive a bonus proportional to the raw material they provide, in addition to standard payments. |
| Profit Sharing | 75% of the total profit generated from sales is returned to the farmers who supply the raw materials. |
| Technical Support | Partnered with the Andreas Hermes Academy (AHA) of Germany for training and technical guidance. |
Future Outlook & Innovation
While the company is currently focusing on grow bags, it has a broader roadmap for sustainable “rubberized” alternatives:
- Alternative to Plastic: Rubfarm has already secured patents for multiple innovative products intended to replace single-use plastics in the agriculture and household sectors.
- Asset-Light Model: In its initial phase, the company is following a low-investment strategy by outsourcing production to existing units while providing the core technology and technical specifications.
- Regional Impact: This move is seen as a vital solution to the long-standing crisis in the rubber sector, where price volatility has often left small growers vulnerable.
“The launch of Maya Growbags is just the beginning. By turning rubber into a value-added product, we ensure that the profit stays with the farmer, not the intermediary.” — Dr. Jacob Mathew, Chairman, Rubfarm.
