(a) whether Rubber Board have given financial assistance to rubber growers for improving rubber cultivation;
(b) whether the Rubber Board have formulated any scheme for promoting rubber cultivation;
(c) whether the small and marginal rubber growers are facing financial problem for rubber cultivation;
(d) whether the Rubber Board have conducted seminar, study class, awareness camp for rubber farmers for improving rubber cultivation; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI MURASOLI MARAN)
(a) & (b) Yes. Sir.
(c) To mitigate the financial problems of the small and marginal rubber growers Rubber Board is providing them financial assistance for meeting part of the cost of cultivation and the remaining requirement is available as bank credit at rates approved by the NABARD.
(d) & (e) for improving rubber cultivation, Rubber Board has been conducting regular extension programmes for the rubber farmers. During the year 1999-2000, the Board has conducted 1308 seminars, 295 study classes on tapping and 2315 awareness camps.