Beyond the breeding for rubber smallholdings, there is a challenge to identify a better resilient rubber cropping system to global change. The RUBIS Project will combine all relevant new technologies in a bid to create a three-level paradigm shifts which were defined as crucial in the terms of reference of Agropolis Foundation Call for Proposals. The first shift is associated with the target of breeding program: the smallholders. The second shift is related to the multidisciplinary approach. The third shift is associated with the participatory approach involving scientists and stakeholders.  There are a lot of expectations from this short 3-year project. Resolving long-term issues will necessitate to establish a so-called RUBIS Platform in Partnership managing further projects for studying and improving rubber and food production systems in a context of global change.

The RUBIS project was selected in the framework of Agropolis Foundation call Agriculture-Based Solutions, and according to its Director Mrs M.-C. Cormier Salem it also meets the expectations of the call innovative co-learning for agriculture-based solutions, putting the participation of all the actors at the heart of its approach. Mobilizing a combination of disciplines, revisiting research practices and ways of building research projects, for co-learning and co-designing transformative actions with all stakeholders : all these notions are well adressed by Rubis Project as stressed by Mrs Cormier –Salem in her kick off  introductory speech. She indicated that these issues are not only scientific issues but also a political challenge  and concluded by saying that the RUBIS project is supported by the Foundation because it is a scientifically excellent project and because it meets its values/visions and ambitions.

Indonesia has great potential in the development of rubber cultivation. This is supported by the high area of ​​rubber cultivation in Indonesia and the large number of farmers involved in the cultivation of natural rubber. However, for the development of sustainable rubber cultivation, Indonesia still faces various challenges that must be resolved immediately. These challenges include the low productivity of rubber plantations in Indonesia and the volatilty of rubber price, which cause rubber farmers to have low incomes, even lower than the minimum wage level set by the government. Besides, the level of technology adoption by smallholders is still relatively low. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an adaptable intercropping system for farmers to diversify their income. In addition, in developing the system, it is necessary to consider various aspects, namely smallholder local wisdom, GAP, storage, and the market (supply and demand).

In general, modern agricultural systems today have many differences compared to conventional agricultural systems, both in biotic and abiotic environmental conditions. Conventional farming systems are supported by an abundance of fertile arable land, relatively painless and available labour, etc. This support encourages more monoculture agricultural systems. On the other hand, this system has limitations that need attention. These limitations include the monoculture system causing geographically concentrated agriculture, then increased pathological threats that increase the risk of crop failure. Besides, the monoculture farming system encourages increased genetic erosion, social fragility, and decreased environmental biodiversity.

The problem is getting more complicated. During the last few decades, the climate change phenomenon has become increasingly visible and can be felt by the agricultural sector. Climate change also contributes to increasing business risks in agriculture. This is due to increased El Nino intensity, inefficient operating systems, vulnerable plant materials, and increased pest and plant disease. Simultaneously, the facts show that agriculture also contributes to climate change. Agriculture produces relatively high GHG emissions due to increased land-use change, deforestation, and increased agricultural inputs.

These results indicate the current susceptibility of monoculture systems. Therefore, it is necessary to have an appropriate system that can optimise ecosystem services without reducing the benefits that can be received. The system combines environmental services and plantation crop. In addition, mitigation of ecological and socio-economic changes must be considered to develop a sustainable system.