Rubber Growers Call for GM Rubber Approval to Address Price Slump and Pest Attacks
February 26, 2025| |
Rubber farmers in India are urging the government to allow the use of genetically modified (GM) rubber plants, which are more resistant to disease and climate change, thus, essential for modernizing plantations and encouraging farmers to continue rubber cultivation. Members of the National Consortium of Regional Federations of Rubber Producers' Societies pointed out the need for GM rubber technology because of the declining rubber prices and increased pest problems. The rubber growers formally requested urgent access to GM rubber technology by submitting a memorandum addressed to Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal.
While research on GM rubber has been ongoing for about 15 years, trials have been hampered by some states, such as Kerala, refusing permission. The Rubber Research Institute has managed to conduct limited experimental plantings in Assam and Tripura, but these are still in the early stages. Farmers argue that GM technology is the only way to revitalize the rubber sector and have also asked the government for measures like minimum support prices, import restrictions, and assistance for small-scale rubber businesses.
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