Michelin supporting natural rubber capacity building in Sri Lanka

Colombo – The Sri Lankan governments has signed a memorandum of understanding with a group of French entities to enhance the wellbeing and productivity of 6,000 small rubber plantation owners in country.

As part of the MoU, the French government will fund a €727,000 project to build capacity and strengthen the economy of the smallholders.

The River (rubber improvement of value chain & embedded smallholders resilience) will be supported by co-sponsors Michelin and French sustainability consulting group Ksapa.

The areas covered by the programme, said the Sri Lankan government 28 Nov, include Badalkumbura and Medagama regions, in the southeastern district of Monaragala.

According to Ksapa’s website, the initiative will build up on previous experience with Michelin Group in Indonesia to improve working conditions of rubber growers.

As project lead, Ksapa is responsible for the design and management of the programme supporting the smallholders in rubber cultivation.

The operational implementation of the project – the delivery of training sessions to farmers – is undertaken by Michelin Group’s local subsidiary, Camso Loadstar.

Additionally, the River project is supported by a club of partners bringing expertise in agronomy, IT development, or impact measurement.

To enhance the long-term livelihood of the rubber farmers, the project will provide education and training on rubber cultivation practices, farm diversification, and environmental footprint.

According to Ksapa, the project is aligned with the Sri Lanka rubber industry masterplan 2017-2026, which aims to increase productivity across small and large rubber production operations.

As part of the plan, the Sri Lankan government will aim to “shed age old unproductive practices”; adopt new technologies and enhance effectiveness in managing value chain activities.