Rubber Board to offer financial aid to small scale growers

The Rubber Board today said it will provide financial assistance for formation of rubber producers' societies (RPSs) and self-help groups (SHGs).

The scheme is intended to develop the small holding sector, which is responsible for the lion's share of natural rubber production in the country. The scheme will enable the socio-economic development of poor farmers and their families, an official spokesman said.

It is aimed at promoting a group approach for effective modernisation and improvement of the natural rubber sector, as an individual approach is not practical due to the large number of such holdings, he said.
    
The rate of assistance offered under the scheme is Rs 6,000 for new RPSs and Rs 3,000 for SHGs.
    
Such SPSs/SHGs would be provided 150 budded stumps and 200 metres of budwood at either 50 per cent of the cost finalised by the board, or Rs 2,500 per RPS/SHG, whichever is less, to raise nurseries.
    
Fifty per cent of the actual expenditure, or Rs 5,000, whichever is less, would also be granted to these RPSs/SHGs for conducting medical camps, he said.