Kerala rubber farmers hopeful, anxious over subsidy distribution

Rubber farmers in Kerala are feeling hopeful as the price of rubber is expected to rise. Reports suggest that global production is decreasing while demand is increasing in the local market. Babu Joseph, the general secretary of the National Confederation of Rubber Producer Societies, believes that prices may soon exceed ₹200 per kilogram. On Thursday, rubber of the RSS-4 grade sold for ₹200 a kg in Kottayam. Data from the Rubber Board shows that the average price has fluctuated over the past year. It rose from ₹182 in April to a high of ₹237 in August, before dropping again. Nonetheless, farmers remain optimistic about meeting production targets for this financial year. However, there are concerns about how subsidies to rubber farmers are being distributed. Farmers worry that the subsidy payments for planting and rain protection may not be completed by the end of the financial year in just two weeks. Joseph pointed out that there are issues with the current distribution process, leading to confusion and delays. Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony recently addressed the subsidy delays in Parliament. He urged the government to ensure timely payments to alleviate the financial stress on farmers. Antony also called for increased subsidies for rubber replantation in Kerala, suggesting that the current amount of ₹40,000 per hectare is insufficient compared to what farmers in the North East of India receive.