File picture: A rubber estate in Kerala.
| Photo Credit:
JOTHI RAMALINGAM B
Good summer rains in the natural rubber growing areas have revived the hopes of the farming community for better yields this year. Farmers have started rain-guarding trees, and are ready for the fresh crop, which is expected by the end of May.
George Valy, president of the Indian Rubber Dealers’ Federation said production, at 8.75 lakh tonnes last year, was likely to touch 9.5 lakh tonnes this year, especially with the inclusion of new tapping areas in the North-East. Prices in the domestic market are ruling in the range of ₹195 for RSS IV grades.
However, the drop in block rubber prices in the international market at ₹150 has not influenced prices of sheet rubber in the domestic market so far. This is evident from the aggressive buying by tyre manufacturing companies recently, he said.
The Federation has also asked the government to increase the duty on rubber compound imports at par with natural rubber to protect the farming community. Total imports of rubber compound from ASEAN countries last year was at 2.5 lakh tonnes at a duty structure of zero to 5 per cent. Imports of rubber compound and natural rubber together stand at around 8 lakh tonnes, which is equivalent to the domestic production. Hence, the Federation has urged the government to impose higher import duty on rubber compounds, he added.
Santosh Kumar, CEO of Harrisons Malayalam Ltd, said growers are optimistic of the production trend expected due to the early rainfall this year. Last year, the traditional natural rubber areas saw an extended dry spell, which impacted production badly in the initial part of the year. Heavy and unseasonal rains in the latter part, coupled with leaf fall, has resulted in a sharp drop in production and a loss of income for growers despite improved prices.
While price uncertainty has played a major role in limiting investments in rain-guarding, he said early rains this year and improved latex flows could encourage farmers to produce more if reasonable price expectations could be achieved.
Meanwhile, the Rubber Board has advised farmers to carry out spraying against abnormal leaf fall and Colletotrichum Circular Leaf Spot before the rainy season. Leaf fall due to fungal diseases causes a more than 30 per cent yield loss in plantations. Fungal diseases are most prevalent during the rainy season. The extended summer rains this year will increase the chances of fungal infection.
Published on May 8, 2025
