The effect of replacing carbon black (CB) by rice husk derived type-I nanocellulose (RHNC) in natural rubber vulcanization is presented in this study. The synthesized RHNC was characterized using various analytical techniques like FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, TGA etc. The cure characteristics, mechanical, technological, thermal, barrier and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were analysed. The mechanical properties of the NR composites containing 30 wt% of CB are comparable with the composite containing 25 wt% of CB and 5 wt% of RHNC. The DMA studies show that the loss tangent (tan δ) at 60 °C is lower for the composite containing 5 wt% of RHNC and 25 wt% CB compared to the composite containing 30 wt% CB. This shows that RHNC can impart low rolling resistance, which is a crucial parameter for green tire applications.