Rubber Board Approves Private Latex Testing Labs

Rubber Board has approved the laboratories functioning in the private sector for the testing of Dry Rubber Content (DRC) of the rubber latex. In a meeting held at the head office in Kottayam, KN Raghavan, Executive Director, Rubber Board, handed over the certificate of approval to the selected laboratories.

The laboratories approved by the Board for DRC testing are: Ritzeben Traders, Makkara, Pathanapuram; LTR Polymers, Koratty, Erumeli; and Phytochrom Bioscience, Kumaranelloor, Mukkom.

The Board has approved the laboratories after detailed verification of the technical facilities. The Engineering and Processing Division of the Board will regularly monitor the performance of these laboratories.

The Board proposes to approve more private laboratories for DRC testing in the other parts of Kerala and the North-Eastern regions. The accreditation of such laboratories will give more facilities to the rubber growers for DRC testing.

About Rubber Board:

Rubber Board is a statutory organization established under Section (4) of the Rubber Act of 1947 that reports to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Board is led by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government and consists of 28 members representing various natural rubber industry interests.

The Board's headquarters are in Kottayam, Kerala. Rubber Board is responsible for the development of the country's rubber industry by assisting and encouraging rubber-related research, development, extension, and training activities.

Functions of Rubber Board:

• To promote the development of the rubber industry by any means deemed appropriate.

• Conducting, assisting in, or promoting scientific, technological, or economic research

• Students are learning better planting, cultivation, manuring, and spraying techniques.

• Giving rubber farmers technical assistance

• Rubber marketing needs to be improved.

• Statistic gathering from estate owners, dealers, and manufacturers

• Providing and improving amenities and incentives to employees, as well as ensuring better working conditions