A rubber farmer in Kerala failed by self-murder because after spending times to grow the rubber crop, he got just Rs. 150/ kg for his yield in 2015. I flash back reading about numerous similar woeful deaths and feeling an empirical dread, while tending our own rubber colony in Kodagu quarter of Karnataka. I was hopeful effects would get better. Alas, moment the selling price of natural rubber is indeed lower atRs. 135 a kg. Meanwhile, the Tyre manufacturers have been importing cheaper emulsion rubber and enjoying a smash in their stock prices (MRF)
The Govt urges rubber farmers to increase product. But it won’t cover us from the tough competition with cheaper imported rubber. Tyre manufacturers have formed syndicates to import; only Indian rubber farmers are upset about Atmanirbhar Bharat. Once you plant the saplings, there’s no turning back. It takes at least seven times before a tree can be tapped for latex. You can’t plant the crop again..
The import duty on finished rubber goods is just 10%. Our government should increase this so that Indian rubber doesn’t die out. However, the Govt should help Indian rubber farmers.
