Rubber needs govt backing

 By HENRY MORABANG

THE rubber industry in the country needs consistent government funding in order to increase production for overseas markets,  Humei Maru says.

Maru, the chief executive officer of the Rubber Industry Corporation, said the industry was a sleeping giant that could explode into a major revenue maker for the country if it got full backing from the government.

He said since his appointment in 2011, there had been no funding from the government despite his submission through the development budget for support for the industry.

There are eight rubber tree growing provinces; Central, Gulf, Western, Milne Bay, East Sepik, West Sepik, Oro and New Ireland, while those that have shown interest in tapping into rubber are East New Britain, West New Britain, Madang, Morobe and Bougainville.

Maru said he could not do much in promoting or taking lead in the industry.

“There is overwhelming interest from growers but we cannot assist as there is not enough funding.”