Rubber tapping takes a hit as rain wreaks havoc

The onset of South-West monsoon has impacted rubber output during May-June in Kerala, as tapping came to a temporary halt last fortnight.

The production since June 1 in the growing belt of Central Travancore was minimal, as heavy showers prevented farmers from putting rain guards, plastic sheet, over the cups in which the latex collects. The monsoon normally extends up to six months a year and therefore, rain-guarding is important to get a sustained income. In its absence, there could be a drastic reduction in the domestic production. This may lead to increased imports of natural rubber. Admitting that there could be a production decline in May-June, Rubber Board officials said that rains have even dampened the initiative of a tyre major to distribute plastic and rain-guarding compound among select growers. Majority of the growers refrain from putting up the rain guard because prices are not remunerative. The promotion of the rain guarding material was taken up to ensure rubber availability in the market and giving a sustained income to growers.

Ideal time

George Valy, President, Kottayam Rubber Dealers Federation told BusinessLine that a normal and above normal monsoon would be ideal as far as tapping is concerned, which would benefit the yield and provides an extended tapping period during summer. However, intermittent rains which started from early May, has hindered tapping.

Normally, the yield from rubber trees during May-June period was around 40,000 tonnes, but in the corresponding period this year, it would be comparatively less.

The relatively low rubber prices are forcing most farmers with small and medium holdings to abandon rubber cultivation, he said. Today rubber prices are hovering in the range of ₹126/kg. However, farmers are expecting some improvement in rates by end of July due to a tight supply situation, he said adding that farmers are also concerned over the delay in getting funds from the Price Stabilisation Scheme announced by the Kerala Government.

PC Cyriac, President of Indian Farmers Movement said that the temporary stoppage of tapping due to rains has affected cash flow of many small and marginal farmers, who are in a financial trouble especially with the reopening of schools.

He alleged that the government is not extending any support to rubber farmers, who are in a critical stage due to issues like lower prices, and unrestricted imports.

Since imports are on the rise, he advised growers not to take up rubber farming and instead go for cocoa, cashew or oil palm cultivation to earn income.

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