Govt raises funding for development of natural rubber sector for two years
- The union government has increased the allocation sustainable development of the natural rubber sector scheme for the next two financial years (2024-26) by 23 per cent.
Key Highlights
- This comes amid a shortfall in availability of natural rubber which has resulted in rising import of natural rubber from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations.
- There are over 13 lakh rubber growers in the country with Kerala accounting for a major chunk of the production
- Funds will be used for:
- Supporting the plantation of rubber
- Generation of planting material
- Productivity enhancement
- Formation of rubber producers societies
- Rubber research and training.
- In non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and north-east states, 3,752 hectares will be brought under rubber cultivation during 2024-26.
- The scheme is implemented through the Rubber Board.
- ”Research will aim at developing rubber clones suitable for different agro-climatic regions of the country to expand rubber cultivation to new areas.
Prelims Takeaway
- Natural Rubber
- Kerala