Concerned over fall in rubber prices, the Association of Planters of Kerala (APK) has urged the Centre to ban imports of rubber to protect growers from further crisis.
Prices of natural rubber, according to APK, have dropped to a five-year low and this situation has pushed growers into deep financial crisis. The Association attributed unabated imports by consuming industries as the main reason for the decline in prices.
The current trend in imports suggests that it may exceed the record 3,24,586 tonnes registered in the last fiscal. In May alone, the import was some 33 per cent more than the same period previous year. The Association was of the view that a higher import duty will curb imports.
APK also expressed concern over questioning the credibility of Rubber Board in releasing the data.