Scheme launched to Support Natural Rubber Growers: Goyal in Lok Sabha

New Delhi, 27 June (KNN) Developmental and research activities for supporting natural rubber sector for the welfare of growers are carried out by Rubber Board through the scheme “Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector” in the Medium Term Framework (MTF) (2017-18 to 2019-20), said Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said “The development activities include financial and technical assistance for planting, the supply of quality planting materials, support for grower forums and training and skill development program.”

Natural Rubber (NR) prices have been at relatively low levels during the recent years in domestic and international markets.The domestic natural rubber prices are highly sensitive to import.

Hence, to regulate the import of NR, the Government has increased the duty on import of dry rubber from “20% or Rs. 30 per kg whichever is lower” to “25% or Rs. 30 per kg whichever is lower” with effect from 30 June 2015 in order to create demand for locally produced rubber, he mentioned.

The Government has also reduced the period of utilization of imported dry rubber under the advance licensing scheme from 18 months to 6 months, Goyal added. (KNN/VS)