Recently, Zhang Min, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, put forward important suggestions on the development of the natural rubber industry at the 2024 National "Two Sessions". She paid special attention to the challenges faced by Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, an important natural rubber production base in China.

During the investigation, Commissioner Zhang Min found that due to the decline in natural rubber prices, many rubber gardens experienced problems such as loss of management, abandonment of rubber trees, and shortage of glue workers. She said that these problems pose a serious threat to the sustainable development of the natural rubber industry and also affect the supply of raw materials for the high-end rubber manufacturing industry.

On the eve of the "Two Sessions", Member Zhang Min went to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to seek solutions. The park is exploring a "rubber garden + compound ecology" planting model, aiming to increase the income of rubber farmers through ecological planting. For example, growing bananas under rubber forests can increase an additional income of about 3000 yuan per mu of land per year.

During the "Two Sessions", Member Zhang Min further refined her suggestions and held in-depth discussions with representative members in relevant fields. She called on the government to further improve support policies for the natural rubber industry, promote and implement comprehensive natural rubber insurance projects, and set up special funds to support the development and utilization of underforest resources. She hopes that these measures can help rubber farmers increase their income, ensure a sustainable supply of rubber sources, and promote the continuous delivery of high-performance rubber to high-end manufacturing.

Member Zhang Min's suggestions received widespread attention and positive response from the representatives attending the meeting. Everyone agreed that as an important part of the national economy, the healthy development of the natural rubber industry is of great significance to ensuring national economic security and promoting the development of high-end manufacturing.