Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (30), the minister said that Rubber prices have come down with the international oil prices and that the Association of rubber producing countries is in the process of negotiating a floor price for natural rubber.
The minister also urged Rubber smallholders not to cut the rubber trees, which is an asset.
He added, “As far as the tea prices are concerned, there has been an improved trend in the prices at the Colombo auction."
The minister also refuted claims citing that the government was not looking after the small holders, citing it as a ‘political' move.
“We will invariably give subsidies to small holders as we care about their welfare. We will not allow the tea and rubber sectors to collapse.”
Dissanayake said the government aims to reduce waste and eliminate corruption in giving fertiliser subsidies to small farmers which will improve their effectiveness.
“For tea, rubber and coconut small holders, the subsidy will be sent straight to their bank accounts and will not go through middlemen.”
(Pic : Roshan Chathuranga)
