The Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry has focused on the expansion of rubber cultivation in Sri Lanka to non-traditional areas.
The Rubber Research Institute has started an experimental programme to identify new rubber varieties that can withstand the respective areas, are suitable for cultivation and can obtain more latex yield. Accordingly, 14 new clones have been tested and 22 more clones are being researched. Finally, 10 clones are to be submitted for recommendation under interim recommendations.
In order to expand rubber cultivation in non-traditional areas in Sri Lanka, it is necessary to identify suitable rubber species for each area. The Government has allocated Rs. 20 million for this purpose at the request of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.
These rubber clones have been used for research through the funds provided by the Government.
It has been planned to expand rubber cultivation to areas with a dry climate such as Badulla, Monaragala and Ampara, away from traditional rubber cultivation areas such as Kalutara. Accordingly, this year, 115 hectares of new rubber cultivation will be done in these non-traditional areas.
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