Kerala Proposes Modifications in Draft of Rubber & Spices Bills

Kerala has proposed changes to the draft Rubber (Promotion and Development) Bill, 2022, and Spices (Promotion and Development) Bill, 2022, in order to provide better protection for farmers, particularly small and marginal growers. Kerala Agriculture Minister P Prasad has written to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to express the state's concerns about the two draft bills.

The Rubber bill's emphasis on treating the sector as an industry rather than an agriculture-related sector will harm small and marginal growers, according to the Minister.

In the case of spices, the Minister emphasized the importance of encouraging close collaboration among the Spices Board, agricultural universities, and state agriculture departments. The "disturbing feature" of the Rubber Bill, according to the Minister, is Section 13, which drastically changes the composition of the Rubber Board and denies fair representation of growers and the governments of the major rubber-producing states.

The bill also eliminates the requirement for the Central Government to consult the Rubber Board before issuing any policy directives.

Protecting Small Farmers:

Growers are worried that the Bill will not protect their legitimate interests. The bill should recognize the importance of rubber in providing a living for more than 13 lakh small growers in the country. Kerala has requested one-third of farmer representation on the Rubber Board, as well as the inclusion of a representative from the State Agriculture Department, according to the Minister.

Kerala has also sought provisions for a minimum support price, as well as for ensuring the quality and price regulation of imported rubber. In the absence of such a provision, cheap, low-quality rubber may be imported.

In the case of the Spices Bill, the State wishes to limit the provisions to those found in the Spices Board Act of 1986, arguing that the implementation of all spice production schemes is the responsibility of state governments. Kerala has asked for a provision requiring the Centre to consult with the Spices Board on policy directives.

The state also wants the Centre to repeal existing rules that forbid cardamom growers from selling their product other than through a licensed auctioneer or dealer. According to the state, no other agricultural commodity in the country is sold in this specific condition.