IRGA calls for implementation of parliamentary committee report on rubber

KOCHI: Announcement of Rubber Policy and restrictions on imports are among the key points in the recommendations of parliamentary committee on rubber that the Indian Rubber Growers Association ( IRGA) has called for implementation.

In a representation to parliamentary standing committee, it said that the import of NR should be suspended during the peak season of August to March. Further, restrictions should be imposed on import of used and inferior quality tyres, it said.

While entering FTA with other countries, the interest of the growers and MSME sector should be safeguarded as except India all other rubber growing consume less that 10 per cent of their domestic production. IRGA wanted `livelihood clause’ to be incorporated in all trade agreements to protect the interest of small and marginal farmers.

Among its other recommendations are uniform policy for rubber wood, a scheme for re-plantation and efforts to strengthen Rubber Board.