Balagopal referred to the hike in the support price of natural rubber to ₹200, a measure implemented in October last year. He also acknowledged the adverse impact of the ASEAN agreement on the rubber sector and underlined the role of the Union government in ensuring a fair price for rubber growers. The most severe impact of the ASEAN Agreement has been felt in the rubber plantation sector. However, the absence of any specific announcements for the rubber sector has left growers, particularly small scale farmers, disappointed. Former Rubber Board member N. Hari also described the Budget as a letdown for rubber growers.