Kottayam: In a move that would benefit small and marginal rubber growers, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has introduced convenient packs of MAK Rubber Spray Oil in the market. M Vasanthagesan IRS, Executive Director of Rubber Board, launched these convenient packs at a meeting held at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in Kottayam.
In the introductory remarks, he said that the interests of consumers should be given priority in the release of any product, and it is appreciable that BPCL comes with spray oil in 26 kg handy packages. India is at the forefront among rubber-growing nations in controlling diseases, and spraying for leaf diseases is a part of Good Agricultural Practices. Further association of RRII and R&D of BPCL will foster developments in this field.
Sohail Akthar, Marketing head of BPCL said that MAK Rubber Spray oil is an innovative product curated by the best scientists, and it is a biodegradable and sustainable product. Spray oil available in small packs will be beneficial to small and marginal growers who do not require large quantities of spray oil for spraying fungicide in their holdings.
In the technical session that followed the inaugural meeting, Sarvesh Tomar (Research and Development Head, Lubes business Unit), Dr. Shaji Philip (Principal Scientist, RRII) and N Sali (Jt. Rubber Production Commissioner, Rubber Board) gave presentations. Dr. M D Jessy (Director-in-Charge, RRII); Moncy P Kurian (MD, Manimalayar Rubbers), Dr. Shaji Philip (Principal Scientist, RRII) and Jenny C L (Territory Manager, Lubes, BPCL); representatives from the large estate sector, Rubber Producers, Societies and rubber growers attended the meeting.