The Rubber Board and Digital University of Kerala has developed a Comprehensive Rubber Information System Platform (CRISP) for the rubber growers of Kerala. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. Z. P. Patel was invited as ‘Chief Guest’ in the launching ceremony of CRISP at Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam, Kerala on March 23, 2023. Dr. K. N. Raghvan, Hon'ble Executive Director, Rubber Board, Govt. of India; Dr. Saji Gopinath, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Digital University, Kerala; Dr. Jessy M.D., Director of Research, RRII; Dr. Lalit Mahatma, ADR, NAU Navsari; Dr. Thomson Abraham, Scientist, RRII graced the occasion with their courteous presence. 

Hon’ble VC presented a special memento to Dr. K. N. Raghvan, Hon'ble Executive Director, Rubber Board and former Indian cricket umpire as a token of gratitude from NAU Navsari. This memento was designed & manufactured at Bamboo Resource Centre, NAU Navsari.

NAU, Navsari has signed MoU with Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam, Kerala to study the feasibility of rubber planting in Gujarat earlier in July, 2022.

Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Z. P. Patel planted the first plant of rubber in Gujarat in July 2022 in the presence of Dr. K. N. Raghvan and other dignitaries of NAU, Navsari and RRII, Kottayam at Agricultural Experimentation Station (AES), Paria of the NAU. Under this project total 1200 saplings of rubber were planted, of which 600 saplings were planted at AES, Paria research station and other 600 saplings were planted at various other stations as a location trial in South Gujarat.

Rubber plants can possibly a good alternative for Eucalyptus and casuarina trees in maintaining social forestry programmes.