Natural rubber production in the country has declined by 7.2 per cent for the month of April compared to the corresponding month of the previous fiscal. The figure stood at 52,700 tonnes against 56,800 tonnes in April 2011.
According to the figures available from the Rubber Board, consumption of natural rubber also decreased by 4.7 per cent in April to 80,500 tonnes compared to 84,500 tonnes during the month of March.
Mr N. Radhakrishnan, Advisor, Cochin Rubber Merchants Association, cited low yield, shortage of manpower and incessant rains as the reasons for drop in production. He said that man-days for tapping of rubber were reduced to a reasonable extent because of rains.
He said that the re-plantation activity in Kerala is on the lower side for the last few years. Majority of the planters are reluctant to cut aged trees for re-plantation purpose, as the prices of rubber are ruling high.
This phenomenon was seen in many of the estates, he said adding that age old trees are giving lower yield.
Referring to drop in consumption, he said this is because of low off take in replacement markets as well as in original equipment markets.