(1)

It shall be the duty of the Board to promote by such measures as it thinks fit the development of the rubber industry [****] [The words " so far as regards the production and marketing of rubber " omitted by Act 54 of 1954, Section 9. ].

(2)

Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the measures referred to therein may provide for-

(a) undertaking, assisting or encouraging scientific, technological and economic research;

(b) training students in improved methods of planting, cultivation, manuring and spraying;

(c) the supply of technical advice to rubber growers;

(d) improving the marketing of rubber;

(e) the collection of statistics from owners of estates, dealers, [manufacturers and processors] [Substituted for the words 'and manufactures' by Act 4 of 2010 ] ;

(f) [ securing better working conditions and the provisions and improvement of amenities and incentives for workers; [Inserted by Act 54 of 1954, Section 9. ]

(g) carrying out any other duties which may be vasted in the Board under rules made under this Act.]

(3)

It shall also be the duty of the Board-

(a) to advise the Central Government on all matters relating to the development of the rubber industry, including the import and export of rubber ;

(b) to advise the Central Government with regard to participation in any International Conference or scheme relating to rubber ;

(c) to submit to the Central Government and such other authorities as may be prescribed [annual report] [Substituted for the words 'half-yearly reports' by Act 4 of 2010 ] on its activities and the working of this Act;

(d) to prepare and furnish such other reports relating to the rubber industry as may be required by the Central Government from time to time.