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- Title
An Economic Analysis of Production and Marketing of Natural Rubber in the Midland Plain Regions of Kerala.
- Authors
GEORGE, ABIN; SHARIF, K. R. MAHIN; NETHRAYINI; UMESH, K. B.
- Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of natural rubber production and marketing efficiency in Kerala, India with a focus on understanding the factors influencing rubber tapping and assessing the economic viability of rubber cultivation. The analysis of historical trends in rubber cultivation reveals a consistent increase in the cultivated area over the years. However, despite the expansion in cultivation, natural rubber production in Kerala has experienced instability, with a decline observed after 2012-13. The study identifies climate conditions and farmers' responses to falling rubber prices as key contributors to the decline in production. The economic analyses of natural rubber cultivation highlights rubber tapping charges were increased and it contributes around 55 per cent to total cost. The significant costs involved with annual maintenance expenses representing the largest expenditure for farmers. This study demonstrates that the rubber cultivation in Kerala is financial feasible only with the final timber value of the rubber plantation. From the analysis of determinants of the rubber tapping it was found that the age of the rubber plantation and the availability of the family labour for the rubber cultivation are positively affecting the rubber tapping, pessimistic perception of rubber prices and emigration in the family has negatively affected the rubber tapping. The marketing efficiency was found to be higher in the marketing channel with fewer market intermediaries. In conclusion, natural rubber cultivation in Kerala is becoming more difficult due to the non remunerative rubber prices and higher labour cost. Farmers are not benefitted without accounting the timber value of rubber tree. In this situation government need to step up in order to fix a floor price for processed rubber, that can make rubber farmers to stay in the business and also government institutions can training to tapping farmers in order to produce superior quality rubber so that these produce can compete in the international market.
- Subjects
RUBBER; RUBBER plantations; PRICE regulation; MARKETING research; PRICES; MARKETING channels
- Publication
Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023, Vol 57, Issue 4, p25
- ISSN
0047-8539
- Publication type
Article