Thiruvananthapuram 20-07-2011: Kerala Government will put pressure on the Centre to review the decision to import rubber, said Oommen Chandy in Assembly.

CM said that if it is found that the import of rubber affects the rubber farmers then the state government will definitely interfere.

Suresh Kurup (CPI-M) alleged that the Centre has decided to import rubber to help the tyre lobby at the expense of the rubber farmers of the state. As soon as the decision by the Centre came, the price of natural rubber in the market in our state fell by Rs 5. When rubber production reaches its peak in September, this decision by the Centre will help the businessmen to collect rubber at a low price.

CM explained that the decision to import 40,000 tonnes of rubber was taken as there was a shortfall of 85’765 tonnes. Oommen Chandy said that if the situation is detrimental, then the state’s fears on this issue will be conveyed to the Centre immediately.

Oommen Chandy also said that any move to ostracize Finance Minster K.M Mani in the name of placing suggestions regarding the Land Reforms Amendment Act, will be resisted. These suggestions were brought as decided by UDF. If any changes are required then the government will look into the matter.   

 K M Mani said that, up to 5 percent of plantations could be used to cultivate other agriculture crops or medicinal plants or for garden farming or even for tourism purposes was placed taking into account the suggestion of the CM.

The Kerala Land Reforms (Amendment) Act was passed in 2005, during the tenure of the former UDF Government, after holding discussion with all labour unions. K.M Mani also said that the budget that he presented was the budget of UDF and Oommen Chandy Governemnt.