Written on 10.10.2014 - Industry
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SRI LANKA: President wants mechanism to introduce certified price for rubber

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed officials to set up a mechanism to introduce a certified price for rubber. At a discussion at Temple Trees on 2 Oct. 2014, the President directed officials to provide solutions to problems faced by rubber smallholders.

The President also directed the authorities to set up this mechanism jointly with the Finance Ministry, Plantation Industries Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry.

Chairmen and secretaries of district rubber organisations also participated at this discussion representing rubber smallholders.

They brought to the attention of the President the problems faced by rubber smallholders.

It was agreed that the price behaviour in the international market and weather conditions saw a decrease in rubber prices. President Rajapaksa said the government has taken measures to protect the local farmer and local industries since the beginning and will continue with this policy in the future too.

The President also emphasized the need to promote local rubber cultivation and protect rubber related industries.

He also emphasised the need to encourage rubber cultivators to produce high quality rubber by introducing modern technology.

The government has already taken a number of measures to improve the country's rubber industry including providing financial assistance to rubber cultivators, providing fertiliser and machinery free of charge.

Source: “Daily News”, Colombo; 4 Oct 2014
(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)