(a) Whether the Minister of State for Commerce recently visited
Kerala and had discussions with the representatives of Cash Crops
growers and especially Rubber growers recently;
(b) If so, the details of the discussions held and outcome thereof;
(c) Whether the Government has offered liberal assistance for the
replantation of the Rubber trees in Estates; and
(d) If so, the details thereof ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a): Yes Sir.
(b): Interactions were held with stakeholders in the Cardamom,
Organic Spices and Vanilla sectors. Discussions with various
stakeholders of the rubber industry included the need for continuing
export of natural rubber, enhancement of replanting subsidy and the
need for strengthening of Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPSs) among
others.
(c) & (d): Due to the prevailing high prices of NR, the small growers are
reluctant to replant. Hence, the possibility of increasing the subsidy for
replanting came up for discussion to encourage growers to replant old
plantations.