Rubber Board to launch tappers’ banks

First Published : 27 Mar 2010 10:12:04 AM IST

KOTTAYAM: In an innovative and futuristic move, the Rubber Board has decided to organise rubber tappers’ banks, under the auspices of Rubber Producers’ Societies.

The objectives of the initiative are to find a solution to the scarcity of tappers and to improve their standard of living, thereby creating a win-win situation for both growers and workers.

Rubber Board chairman Sajen Peter will inaugurate the first tappers' bank at Poothrukka RPS near Kolenchery in Ernakulam district on March 29, stated a press note.

Rubber Board vice-chairman Siby J Monippally will preside over the function.

Tappers’ banks are self help groups of 20-30 trained rubber tappers, envisaged to work under the umbrella of Rubber Producers’ Societies.

Once the project is launched, farmers will get the service of skilled tappers on payment of a fee, and the tappers' bank would ensure attractive remunerations and job security to the member tappers.

The bank will also pay incentives to the tappers for the additional produce realised by them through tapping, under the head of `over-poundage'.

The member tappers will also get additional financial benefits like insurance coverage, savings under the Group Life Insurance-cum-Terminal Benefit scheme of the Rubber Board and benefits under the Public Provident Fund Scheme.

Those enlisted can also enrol in the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme under the Price Security Fund Trust of the Government of India.

In addition, the board will provide uniforms and monthly allowance for maintaining the tapping implements.

(expressbuzz.com)