Initiatives under way to increase natural rubber production, says Minister

Minister for Forests R.S. Rajakannappan said that necessary measures are being taken to increase the natural rubber (latex) production and generate higher revenue in Tamil Nadu, while chairing a review meeting at Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited in Nagercoil on Monday.

He said that a large number of rubber plantations of Arasu Rubber Corporation are located in areas such as Keeriparai, Manalodai, Kalikesam, Paraliyar and Marudhamparai in Kanniyakumari district, and people from these areas are engaged in latex tapping. Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited was established for their benefit and the organisation is fulfilling their demands.

He added that the major work, including removal of old trees and planting new saplings, is currently being carried out by the Arasu Rubber Corporation.

“The department officials have been instructed to expedite the plantation of rubber sapling in Arasu Rubber Corporation limits, bring the tree to latex tapping stage, increase the production and take the Arasu Rubber Corporation on the path of profitability, as achieved in the current year,” Mr. Rajakannappan said.

He noted that discussions were also held regarding the welfare of workers and regularisation of temporary workers of Arasu Rubber Corporation. “The requests will be taken to the attention of the chief minister and necessary actions will be taken,” he added.

Mr. Rajakannappan further mentioned that complaints have been received about the monkey menace in the areas adjacent to forest. To control this, steps will be taken to cage them and release them into the forest areas.

“Tamil Nadu is at the forefront in increasing the forest cover. As per the guidelines of the central government, steps are being taken to achieve the 33% forest cover. Appropriate actions will also be taken to ensure that farmers are not affected by the Private Forests Act,” he observed.

Dairy Development Minister T. Mano Thangaraj, Arasu Rubber Corporation Limited’s Chairperson and Managing Director N. Satheesh, Kanniyakumari District Forest Officer A. Anbu and other officials were present.