रबड़ समाचार 25.09.09

Experts split over rubber tapping styles
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For well over a century since the Amazonian tribes have been known to extract latex out of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), rubber tapping has followed a common style — the inclined downward tapping method. That traditional thinking which had an unquestioned run for decades is now being challenged with the proposition of inclined upward tapping (IUT) which promises considerably higher output from each tree.

If it indeed proves true, natural rubber output can see a dramatic rise, with significant implications for planters, tappers and the myriad range of rubber-based industries from tyres to elastic bands and Hawaii chappals to medical gloves. The debate over the tapping styles is a heated one, though, pitting the Rubber Board which supports the traditional style, against the IUT proponents led by L Thankamma, a mycologist. (ET)
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/commodities/Experts-split-over-rubber-tapping-styles/articleshow/5048735.cms
Rubber, cashew in Asean trade pact negative list, says Scindia
Chennai: There are adequate protective measures to safeguard Indian farmers and the labour-intensive industries in the recently-signed Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.

Speaking to journalists of The Hindu group of publications, Mr Scindia said the concerns raised by some, especially farmers in Kerala, were valid. However, if one read the fineprint, he would know that the farmers’ interests have been protected.

To illustrate this he said 489 items have been taken off the list of tariff concession while 590 items have been taken off the list of tariff elimination. These items are predominantly in the agricultural sector, marine sector and other labour-intensive industries such as handloom and handicrafts. Commodities such as cashew and rubber have been put on the negative list. “We are looking at rationalising tariff on coffee and tea to 45 per cent, which still high, from 100 per cent,” he said. (BL)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/24/stories/2009092452021600.htm