Thiruvananthapuram | BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday welcomed the rise in natural rubber prices to over Rs 300 per kg, describing it as a major boost for farmers and workers in Keralam.

He credited the Union government and the Rubber Board for their support to the sector.

In a Facebook post, Chandrasekhar said the development would bring great cheer to rubber growers and workers. He also praised Rubber Board Chairman N Hari, describing him as an energetic leader with a clear understanding of and vision for the sector.

He said the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rubber Board and all stakeholders should work together to take the sector forward.

Chandrasekhar said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had already assured the sector of all necessary support.

He urged the Rubber Board to identify further measures and introduce new schemes to strengthen the sector.

He called for exploring ways to encourage Indian tyre manufacturers to purchase more domestically produced rubber instead of relying on imports.

"Necessary steps will certainly be taken in these matters," he said.

"We do not look at this through a political lens. Progress and development are everyone's right. That is what the BJP works for," he added.