Indian Rubber Growers Association has expressed their concern regarding the move initiated by the consuming industry to change the Exim policy on rubber including import at reduced rate of duty under tariff rate quota (TRQ).
Association general secretarySiby J.Monippally said that any move to reduce the import duty further will sharply bring down price and production.
The cost of production is Rs 160 per kg but growers are only getting Rs 130 per kg now. Imports under TRQ could be termed as a disaster for the struggling growers.Monippally also said that the country is really facing a shortage of natural rubber but Indian growers are still capable of producing the required quantity for the consuming sector, if prices are fair and reasonable.
The association also called for a conducive “win-win” atmosphere that should be brought about by consensus among stakeholders for a better Indian rubber industry future. If imports are made more liberal by change in the policy it will put an end to rubber cultivation in India, which was developed over a period of 60 years.
The non-tariff measures like port restriction and six months stipulation for exports are not restricted in nature since 90% of the imports are through Mumbai and Chennai port. Shorter export obligation will hasten exports and restrict flooding of imported NR in the country, Monippallyadded.