The UPASI has expressed concern over the declining prices for tea and rubber
Declining tea, rubber prices worry planters
Ooty: The United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI) has expressed concern over the declining prices for tea and rubber and sought the Centre’s help in resolving the crisis.
Mr Vijayan Rajes, president, UPASI, said tea continued to realise lower prices in south India, averaging Rs 87 per kg compared to Rs 103 per kg last year. The drop in prices was worrisome even as the cost of production was escalating.
“India has already lost is prominence in the export market and we are fourth now in the pecking order, after Kenya, China and Sri Lanka. South India, which contributes 20 per cent of the country’s tea production, exports 35 per cent of India’s quota of exports, which has also dropped recently as orthodox teas are not available. The government should consider increasing the subsidy to encourage its production,” he added.
Prices of RSS IV grade natural rubber, the largest traded grade, have fallen to Rs 123 per kg, compared to Rs 183 per kg during the same period last year due to its unrestricted import. Many small growers have stopped tapping operations.
Mr Rajes said the Centre ought to consider imposing a ‘safeguard duty’ on imports of natural rubber. The coffee sector was being beleaguered by white stem borer infestation, which was affecting the production of the arabica variety. He said research was necessary to control this problem.
( Source : dc )
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