Harrisons Malayalam Ltd (HML) is looking forward to contribute its views through the panel formed by the Centre for formulating the national policy on rubber.
This was stated by N.Dharmaraj, Chief Executive, SBU (A), HML while speaking at the company’s 7th growers meet here after rubber growers raised their apprehensions over fall in prices, drop in production and lack of skilled labour in the sector.
The meet, organised by HML for its various rubber societies, large plantation owners and small farmers, also expressed concern over escalation in costs of materials and wages of labour that made the industry unviable. They also pointed out that high volume of imports also led to a slump in local demand and prices.
They were of the view that a sustainable price level must be maintained for the plantation sector to survive in the State and adequate steps should be taken by both the centre and state governments to safeguards farmers’ interests.
Dharmaraj assured the gathering that HML has already taken up the issues through APK and UPASI and the required representation will be made to the various government departments within the next 10 days.