Govt sets up panel to formulate rubber policy

It will be a broad based policy for all types of rubber -- natural, synthetic and reclaimed

The central government has set up an expert panel to formulate a national policy on rubber.  A notification in this regard has been issued by the  department of commerce recently.   

The committee will be chaired by the additional secretary (plantations), the department of commerce. The panel has members drawn from relevant ministries, Rubber Board, industry, growers, processors and research bodies. The committee will “make recommendations for a broad based policy relating to all types of rubber — natural rubber (NR), synthetic rubber (SR) and reclaimed rubber (RR)”. Rubber and tyre industries have welcomed the move.

Raghupati Singhania, vice-chairman Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, said, “Rubber and tyre manufacturing is shifting to Asia. India enjoys a unique position both in terms of verdant natural rubber plantations and rubber and tyre manufacturing, which has stood the test of time. Unfortunately, India’s potential in the sector has not been fully harnessed. Certain limiting factors have come in the way of the industry’s growth. We do hope the policy will address the issues of all stakeholders to meet the objectives of growth and employment through manufacturing excellence.”

Niraj Thakkar, president, All-India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), said, “National rubber policy with interests of all stakeholders in its ambit will be the single most decisive factor for igniting the growth of rubber sector. The sector has immense potential for growth. However, in the absence of a policy framework, many a time different stakeholders found themselves unnecessarily pitted against each other harming the entire value chain. The terms of reference of the Committee are quite extensive and we are hopeful of a well-considered policy.”

According to the notification, the terms of reference for the committee are comprehensive and include a review of growth and current status of the rubber sector, demand and supply of different rubbers, opportunities and challenges, stakeholders’ concerns   and suggest a policy framework for promoting rubber plantations, insulating rubber growers from unforeseen risks and incentives, taxation and other regulatory measures with a view to enhance production of NR and competitiveness of rubber industry.

 
The committee will submit its report within six months.