After years of neglect, the long-overlooked rubber plantations in Kerala appear to be receiving significant attention from both the Centre and the State government ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections.
Just a day after the Centre announced an incentive to stimulate rubber exports, the State government on Saturday brought out an order increasing the stabilisation price of rubber by ₹10. This order is in line with an announcement made by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal while presenting the State Budget in February this year.
The Rubber Board has established an export promotion cell and announced the incentive of ₹5 a kg for export of sheet rubber. The incentive scheme is in effect from March 15 till June 30, said sources in the Rubber Board. Natural rubber exporters with valid registration and membership certificate issued by the board and registration for using Indian Natural Rubber logo will be eligible for the incentive. The cell will address various issues and handhold exporters.
