IDUKKI: Architect of scientific rubber production in the state, P C Cyriac, who is also former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, on Tuesday wondered why the government has decided to import excess natural rubber than it needed to fill the deficit.
The former Rubber Board Chairman said the production of natural rubber in the country is 8.5 lakh tonnes while the actual demand is about 9.25 lakh tonnes, but the volume of rubber imported was several times more.
Inaugurating a meeting of rubber farmers organised by Karshaka Samithi at Urban Cooperative Bank Auditorium in Thodupuzha, Cyriac said the import of natural rubber has increased in the past few years.
The excess rubber imported has been stockpiled by the rubber-based companies including tyre manufacturers. This has helped them crush the local rubber producers, he said.
– newindianexpress.com
