For surviving in the globalised market, rubber cultivators must supply high quality rubber, said Kundapura Rubber Board Development Officer G Shridharan.

Speaking at a workshop for rubber cultivators organised under the joint aegis of Rubber Cultivators’ Association, Krishi Bank and Rotary Club at Krishi Bhavana on Saturday, he said presently the cost of rubber is Rs 115 per kg and is the main raw material for the industries.

Rubber still enjoys much demand and its market price will not dip till 2020. Hence, if rubber cultivators involve in the joint venture of manufacturing rubber sheets, high standards can be maintained.

The government will provide financial assistance of Rs 6.75 lakh for those jointly involved in rubber production, Mr G Shridharan said.

Inaugurating the function progressive farmer D C Diwakar said if rubber cultivators provide high standard rubber, they can get good returns.

RPS President N M Marulappa, Krishi Bank President N G Nagesh, Rotary Club President Dr K P Amshumanth, district Agriculture and Village Development Bank Managing Director K Nagraj, Rubber Board area officer Parashuram, and J D Somanna were present on the occasion.

Farmers growing paddy and pulses will be distributed seeds at 50 per cent concessional rates under the Prime Ministers’ Special Package programme in the present year.

This facility can be availed by big, small and very small farmers.

A release stated that all farmers will get seeds as per their requirements or seeds required to sow in one hectare land.

Those who need seeds for sowing can contact Farmers’ Contact Centre in their hobli and thus avail benefits of this project, said Deputy Director.