Date:14/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/14/stories/2008021452300300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Rubber brings cheer to tribals

BVS Bhaskar

Rampachodavaram: Tribals in East Godavari district have finally got a great source of income to change their living standards.

Thanks to initiative taken by the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) for promoting rubber plantation tribals of Rampachodavaram mandal are going to get maximum earnings.

ITDA project officer Yogita Rana spoke to Rubber Board officials of Kerala to take up plantation on a massive scale in agency areas of the district. Following which about 30 tribals were sent to Kottayam and other places in Kerala for training in rubber plantation and tapping. Apart from training, nearly 2.50 lakh stumps were imported from Kerala to plant on 1,100 acres

“For protection of stumps for four years, we are engaging 400 workers under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by paying Rs.100 per day. The tribals will get three to four months work under NREGS,” she said. This year tribals from Vetukuru, Poojaripakala, Ivampalli, Maredumilli, Koduru, Mudduluru, Sunnampadu and Devarapalli are engaged in rubber plantation work.

She said that there were a number of buyers in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kerala for rubber.