KOTTAYAM: Due to the lack of funds, the Rubber Board could not disburse subsidies for planting and replanting trees for the year 2015-16. The cash-strapped board is yet to invite proposals for 2016-17, and even the distribution of the salaries may get affected.
"The board is passing through a serious crisis. The government is not able to provide the requisite funds, even the Plan fund outlay," a senior official told DC.
The chairman, A. Ajith Kumar, said the board was awaiting the clearance of the Union ministry of commerce and finance for allotting funds for subsidies.
"We look forward to distributing subsidies soon," he told DC.
The rubber farmers are also upset at the delay.
"They say they don't have the requisite funds," E.P. Mathew, president of the Aruvikuzhy Rubber Production Society told DC.
Sources said many farmers are waiting for the government subsidies for replanting and new planting.
"The rubber board used to give Rs 22,000 a farmer as planting subsidy," on of them said.
