Out of the nine Agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra, Konkan consists of three zones viz. Very High Rainfall Lateritic Soils, Very High Rainfall Non-lateritic soils and Ghat zone. The first two zones have warm humid climate and rainfall ranging from 3000 to 5000 mm. These soils are devised from traprock. The coastal area has got tolerant trees and shrubs. Forests are predominant in Konkan region.

The studies of Rubber Board during 1977 revealed that nearly 1,00,000 Hectares area in Konkan region is suitable for raising rubber plantations but by the end of year 2000 only 200 Hectare area can be brought under rubber plantation. This might be due to the higher cost of cultivation of Rs. 80,000/- per hectare for initial six years growth period and interest of farmers towards the plantation of fruit crops like cashew and mango.

The experiment was laid out on lateritic soil having 6.5 Ph and low N,P and K contents soils to study of growth performance of rubber plantation in the Konkan region in the year 1978. Three varieties viz. RRIM-600, GT-1 and PR-107 and seedling trees were planted by adopting the spacing of 5m x 5m. All the cultural practices were done as and when required. The recommended fertilizer doses were applied as per the schedule. Irrigation was given during initial crop growth period for first three years. The tapping was started in the 7th Year. When 80% plants attained 50 cm girth at 125 cm height from ground level. The commercial production of latex started from 10th year.

It was also observed that, the planting distance of rubber can be reduced to 5m x 4.5m. The data of latex and dry rubber yield collected during 2001 - 2002 is as follows: