Kerala allows rubber tapping in latex processing, glove production units

The Kerala authorities has offered lockdown exemption for rubber plantations concerned in latex processing and production of rubber and surgical gloves.

A selection to this effect was taken based mostly on the request to enable the factories concerned in latex processing and production of rubber/surgical gloves as they develop critical commodities demanded in tackling the distribute of Covid-19. These factories can transportation latex barrels to and from the plantations to factories so that the supply is confident.

They are also allowed to deliver in demanded numbers of this kind of barrels together with ammonia and other preservatives needed for this kind of transportation of field latex to factories. Authorization is also granted to the rubber plantations with greatest twenty five for each cent of workers power in the course of the lockdown interval.

According to KN Raghavan, Government Director, Rubber Board, the nod to run glove-generating units would guide to a gradual resumption of tapping and processing of rubber sheets, primarily among the tiny and marginal growers. The latex so tapped by this kind of growers is gathered by rubber producers’ societies and then transported to latex processing units for centrifuging, and from there to glove-generating units.

Gradual opening of sector

He pointed out that all-around eighty for each cent of the rubber production in the place is from Kerala and the adjoining Kanyakumari. Allowing total-fledged tapping and sheet processing would not support by by itself, until the industry commences functions and commences consuming the sheets so developed. In these situations, a gradual opening of the sector is proposed so that economic distress felt by tiny and marginal growers is mitigated while ensuring the production of gloves which are demanded for combating the pandemic, he mentioned.

Likewise, activities involving rain-guarding have been allowed to be carried out so that tapping can continue on without having hindrance in the course of the monsoon months as very well, he extra.

Ample shares

Raghavan also clarified that the tumble in production would not guide to a scarcity of the commodity, even as both equally production and use have been strike by the lockdown. The tumble in demand from customers from the consuming sector would be far more than the tumble in production. Furthermore, 70 for each cent of the organic rubber consumed in the place is by tyre suppliers, who keep a stock of about 6 weeks’ requirements.

“Hence it is reiterated that there exist no grounds for any apprehensions regarding the scarcity of organic rubber in the Indian market place on account of this lockdown,” he extra.