The Rubber Board of India will provide high-yield advanced rubber clones and training support for rubber production in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Rubber Board has sought technological assistance and investment in this sector from India.
An Indian delegation made the assurance at a view exchange programme in Chattogram Well Park Residence on Tuesday.
The delegation is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Bangladesh Rubber Board, under a MoU signed between the member states of the International Rubber Research Development Board (IRRDB).
The Indian Rubber Board delegation arrived in Chattogram on April 27. Later, they visited two rubber plantations and Forest Industries Development Corporation (FIDCO) situated in Fatikchhari on April 29.
Senior officials of the two countries’ rubber boards, members of the Bangladesh Rubber Garden Owners Association, and forest researchers were present at the programme. The Indian delegation is scheduled to wrap up their tour of Bangladesh on May 1.
At the view exchange meeting, the two nations’ rubber board officials highlighted various rubber related activities of their countries through power presentations.
Bangladesh Rubber Board Secretary Bidorshi Sambaudhi Chakma and Scientific Officer Abu Taleb Surag made the presentations. Meanwhile, on behalf of the visiting delegation of India, several of their members made presentations as well.
The Indian delegation was led by Executive Director Rubber Board of India M Vasanthagesan, while Chairman of Bangladesh Rubber Board Syeda Sarwar Jahan led the host team.
Bangladesh Rubber Garden Owners’ Association President Md Kamal Uddin, General Secretary Moinul Islam, Advisor Syed Moazzam Hossain, and lifetime member of the association PHP Family Director Mohamed Ali Hossain Chowdhury Sohag delivered speeches at the programme.
Addressing the event, M Vasanthagesan said all the varieties of rubber currently available in Bangladesh should be properly nursed, adding that India will supply the varieties that are suitable for Bangladesh.
In addition, the information exchange between the two countries will provide support and technical cooperation.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Rubber Garden Owners Association Advisor Syed Moazzam Hossain called for exchanging information on rubber production between the two countries, and invited India to help in the development of rubber, invest in Bangladesh, and import rubber.
Lifetime member of the association, and PHP Family Director Mohamed Ali Hossain Chowdhury Sohag said, “When the cultivation of rubber known as white gold started in Bangladesh, the situation in the hilly districts was not the same as it is today.
“Rubber cultivation started there through many tough challenges. We want to bring positive changes in this sector. The governments of Bangladesh and India are serious about regional cooperation. We can use the Indian Rubber Board’s experience as they are old in the trade. India can provide us with training and technical support.”
In the view exchange meeting, Bangladesh Rubber Board’s Chairman Syeda Sarwar Jahan said, “We want technical support from the Rubber Board of India. Indian clones are high-yield varieties.
“So we want to get high-yield clones from India. At the same time, we urge India to train the rubber workers and owners of our country.”
She added, “But we are putting more importance on Indian investment in Bangladesh. Our country has fertile land for rubber cultivation. India can initiate joint investments with us. At the same time, we should be able to export rubber to India, and it will benefit Bangladesh.”
