Question : PRODUCTION OF NATURAL RUBBER



(a) whether the Union Government has taken a decision to import duty free natural rubber and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) the total production and consumption of natural rubber in the country during the last three years, year-wise;

(c) whether it is a fact that the rubber producing States and farmers have been protesting against any import of natural rubber which may affect their economy adversely;

(d) if so, the reasons for going ahead with the decision to import natural rubber;

(e) the total area which has been brought under rubber plantation during the last three years alongwith the details of the subsidies/ grants provided by the Rubber Board for this purpose to the rubber planters; and

(f) whether the Government is considering to formulate a permanent export quota for rubber and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): The total production and consumption of Natural Rubber in the country during the last three years, year-wise is given hereunder:-

Year	Production	Consumtion	(tonne)	(tonne)
2008-09 864500 871720 2009-10 831400 930565 2010-11 861950 947715

(c)& (d): Yes, Madam. The Government had only allowed import of a limited quantity of 40,000 MT of rubber at a reduced duty of 75% during the last financial year, the validity of which has further been extended upto 31.03.2012.

(e): The total area brought under rubber plantations during the last three years is given hereunder:-
Year	New Planting	Replanting	Total	(ha)	(ha)	(ha)
2008-09	30200	10000	40200
2009-10	25500	11000	36500
2010-11	25000	11000	36000

Subsidy @ Rs. 19500 per ha for growers having area upto 5 ha with financial assistance limited to 2ha only was/is being provided for new planting and replanting in traditional regions of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Subsidy @ Rs. 22000 per ha for growers having areas upto 20 ha was/is being provided for new planting and replanting in non-traditional regions including North-East. Reimbursement of cost of planting materials @ Rs. 8.00 per plant limited to cost of 500 plants per ha, that is, Rs. 4000 per ha and transportation grant of Rs. 4000 per ha for transporting plantation inputs to the site are also provided.

(f): No, Madam.