Govt approves Rs 960-cr scheme for rubber sector development

Government today approved a scheme for the development of rubber sector in the country with an outlay of Rs 960 crore in 12th plan (2012-17).
"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of the 'Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector' scheme with an outlay of Rs 960 crore in the 12th Plan...," an official statement said.
The scheme was approved with some modification as recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), the statement added.
The main objective of the scheme is to enhance natural rubber production and productivity.
The scheme aims to enhance the production through expanding planted area, accelerating rubber plantation development programmes in non-traditional regions, including the North-East.

It also plans to intensify research to evolve appropriate technologies for rubber cultivation, processing and end product manufacturing and transferring technology through training and extension services.