Date:06/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/06/stories/2006100604021300.htm

Back Rubber growers take to `undesirable' methods

Aravindan

LURED BY HIGH PRICES

Kottyam , Oct. 5

At a time when rubber prices ruled high, especially when it crossed the historic mark of Rs 100 a kg, rubber growers frantically searched for new techniques to enhance their production. They tried to extract more latex from the trees unaware of its grave consequences.

The undesirable practices, which were followed by some of the growers, did much harm to the trees. To take maximum advantage of the high price, some of them added larger quantities of fertilisers than what was actually required, expecting higher yield. Growers were also tempted by manufacturers and dealers of agricultural inputs such as bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, growth promoters, etc to apply such materials in rubber plantations.

While some of these inputs are scientifically proven to be useful in certain crops, their usefulness and relevance in rubber is still to be established.

Use of such materials without any firm scientific recommendation is likely to raise the cost of production without any benefit. Moreover, some of the materials might be even harmful to the trees.

Use of yield stimulants beyond what is recommended and high intensity tapping to raise production are undesirable practices having serious implications, which would affect the sustained productivity of rubber plantations. It is also known that rubber is now being planted in agro-climatically less favourable places.

"The unscientific practices for temporary benefits ultimately harm the plantations", Dr N.M. Mathew , Director Rubber Research Institute of India, told Business Line.

Wayanad, replacing traditionally grown crops such as coffee, pepper, etc. While it is true that rubber may grow in some such locations, it is likely to be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew etc.

Moreover, the overall productivity also will be lower than that in the traditional rubber growing areas. While rubber might prove to be economically viable in such regions under a high price scenario, it might be highly unprofitable once the prices fall below certain levels.

Truck loads of planting materials reach Wayanad for rubber planting at places where land is available. Malpractices are on the rampant to get immediate benefits. Some growers have even opened new panels to maximum exploit the trees.