Mon Feb 24 11:01:19 UTC 2025: ## Indian Rubber Farmers Urge Government to Adopt Genetically Modified Plants

**Bengaluru, India – February 24, 2025** – Facing dwindling prices and increasing pest attacks, Indian rubber farmers are calling for the widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) rubber plants. The National Consortium of Regional Federations of Rubber Producers’ Societies submitted a memorandum to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, advocating for GM plants to modernize plantations and revitalize the industry.

Babu Joeph, general secretary of the consortium, stressed the urgency of introducing GM rubber, highlighting disease resistance and climate change adaptation as key benefits. He argued that GM technology is the only viable path to modernizing the sector, urging the government to act swiftly.

While research into GM rubber has been ongoing for approximately 15 years, Kerala and Maharashtra have consistently rejected requests for trial runs. However, trials are currently underway in Assam and Tripura following approval from their respective state governments. Jessy M. D., director of the Rubber Board, clarified that these trials are experimental and GM plants are not yet ready for widespread distribution. The board emphasized that rigorous testing and evaluation are crucial before commercial production.

The memorandum to the Commerce Minister also included several other requests, including a minimum support price for small farmers, measures to address unrestricted imports, assistance for struggling small-scale rubber industries, and solutions to problems caused by wild animal attacks on small holdings. The future of the Indian rubber industry hinges on the government’s response to these pressing concerns.

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