Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 28 (KNN) The Kerala rubber farmers are in dire state due to the continuously falling price of rubber sheets and latex.

With the aim to bring the situation into the state government’s notice, a protest organised by the National Consortium for Rubber Production Societies (NCRPS) took place on Wednesday at the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.

“The continuously falling price of rubber sheets and latex has brought the farmers to the street," Senior Kerala Congress leader and former MLA Joseph M Puthuserry told the ANI.

"Since 2013, the UDF government have aided the farmers with an immune package which was continued by the second Pinarayi government, but now for months it has been not allocated, now it's time to raise it from Rs 170 to 250. But now from this 170 Rupees immune package, nine rupees has been deducted on processing charge, which is clearly looting the farmers" he said.

He further urged both the Central and State to consider this matter as Kerala is the largest producer of rubber in the country. Although, it is still the State with the lowest subsidies for rubber farmers.

Puthuserry further mentioned that Kerala Plantation corporation which produces rubber latex now needs to Start producing sheets as most of the farmers in the state produce latex. The Plantation corporation is capable and equipped with all amenities. 

The rubber farmers of the State are appealing to the government to raise the import duty on rubber as this will significantly help the local farmers sustain.  (KNN Bureau)