Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Saturday clarified that it has no plans to classify rubber as an agricultural crop in the state, despite longstanding demands from rubber growers.
Horticulture Minister S.S. Mallikarjun stated that while farmers have repeatedly requested recognition of rubber as an agricultural crop, the government currently has no proposal under consideration. Earlier, the state had indicated it might recommend to the Centre that rubber fall under the agriculture and horticulture departments, but that position has now been reconsidered.
The minister explained that rubber is a perennial commercial crop, unlike short-term seasonal agricultural crops. “Therefore, there is no proposal to classify rubber as an agricultural crop,” he said.
Rubber cultivation in Karnataka spans over 50,000 hectares. In contrast, neighbouring Kerala recognises rubber as an agricultural crop.