Even as rubber prices are moving up, growers are facing another threat — from leaf fall disease in plantations. According to reports, in certain areas, leaf fall started in early January itself this year. Typically, it sets in only in February.

This year’s summer is predicted to be severe, and the days are already very hot in some plantations in Kerala. The possibility of leaf fall disease — with a big impact on production — spreading to other areas cannot be ruled out. The Rubber Board has come out with precautionary measures, including white washing to save the trees from heat absorption.

For growers already impacted by the earlier low prices, the plant disease could deal a big blow. Whatever gains they make from the current price hike will be negated by the production loss. This is particularly true for small and marginal growers. Even with lower production rate, however, tapping continues in some plantations.

A fall in rubber production may lead to a shortage of 30-40 per cent. Expecting a good catch following the price hike, growers may retain the sheets rather than release them to the market.

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