Rubber Act needs review

The Rubber Act 1953 needs a review in order to boost the industry, says Rubber board chairlady Josephine Kenni.
Kenni, who was reappointed for a second term as executive chairperson, said the country’s rubber industry had been stagnant for a long time and something had be done.
Kenni said the best approach would be to review the Rubber Act which was not able to act in the best interest of stakeholders, especially farmers.
The board’s main task this year is to push for the Rubber Act 1953 to be reviewed and amended.
She wants it moved from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock to become a development authority.
Kenni is confident there would be a boost in production if improvements are made.
The department is in charge of the Cape Rodney rubber project where trees are fully matured.
“We need a development authority and a proper act to guide us.”
Kenni acknowledged the government for allocating K2 million to the industry.
She said there was no data or research to identify how much was needed to revive the industry.
She said teams had already been posted in different part of the country to collect data and statistics.