Union Minister of state for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday assured that subsidy would be given to small growers of rubber with an intention to improve productivity.
“Subsidy is a matter of consideration, give me a little bit of time”, Scindia said after inaugurating the rubber clinic, the distance diagnostic information system of Rubber Board here today.
Scindia said paucity of funds was not the problem but the declared projects were not being implemented ‘fruitfully’
He urged growers to improve quality by utilising new varieties of clones which are able to face problems like climate change and harmful pests.
Of the total production, he said 78 per cent of rubber was produced in Kerala.
“Accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases and adoption of suitable control measures is essential for a cash crop like rubber to maintain and improve productivity, thereby increasing net income of the farmers,” Rubber Board Chairman Sajan Peter said.
The rubber clinic helps farmers in crop disease management. It helps in rapid diagnosis and identification of pests and diseases of rubber.
