Domestic, production of rubber in the 516 rubber gardens in the country was 2,300 metric tons annually which meets 30 percent of the country's requirement, reports UNB.

This was stated by Forest and Environment Minister Abdullah Al-Noman in parliament yesterday replying to a question from Khalilur Rahman of Awami League.

Replying to a supplementary from Zainul Abdin Faruq (BNP), the minister said that of the 516 gardens producing rubber, 16 are state-owned and 500 small gardens in the private sector.

Country's annual requirement of 7.500 metric tons can be met from domestic sources if 89,000 acres of land acquired for rubber production are fully utilised, the minister said replying to Shahidullah Khan (BNP).