MSc

A study was conducted among small holders of Alathur taluk to understand the extent of adoption of scientific processing techniques by the rubber growers. One hundred holdings, representing different geographical regions in the taluk and different size groups were selected and the farmers as well as the tappers were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire.

The study revealed that the most popular planting material among small growers was RRII 105. Preference for the planting material RRII 105 was maximum (95.65%) among the smallest group of planters who own less than 0.50 hectare. It was noted that there was a tendency for mixed planting with different clones among large growers. Alternate daily tapping was more prevalent among the holdings surveyed. S/2 d/3 system hasto be popularized especially for clones like RRII 105 which is susceptible to brown bast.

From the study it was found that farmers have a preference to sell latex as such because it is more economical and convenient than the preparation of sheets.

The majority of small rubber growers were not aware of the use of chemicals like sodium sulphite to prevent pre-coagulation, parantitrophenol to control surface blackening and sodium bisulphieto improve the colour of sheets. The use of these chemicals have to be popularized among small rubber growers.

From the study it has been observed that 13 percent small growers did not sieve their latex before coagulation. Even when sieving was done, the mesh size of the sieve used was below standard.

In the case of coagulant, only 36 percent farmers were using coagulants near to the recommended dose.

In the case of dilution, only 2.04 percent farmers were following the recommended extent of dilution of latex, while 60.20 percent farmers were following very near to the recommended ratio. Fifty percent growers owned their own rollers. Others were using hired rollers for sheeting their coagulum. Seventeen farmers had their own smoke house for smoking the sheets where as 23 percent growers were drying their sheets completely in sun and remaining partial sun drying followed by smoking in kitchen hearth.

Seventy seven percent growers sold their produce as ungraded sheet at a lower price. Only 31.63 percent farmers got price as published in newspapers while 68.37 percent got price at a rate less than that published in newspapers. Engagement of hired labour for tapping and processing were more in the larger size group of holdings.

The study showed that good quality sheets could be produced by the farmers by maintain cleanliness at all stages of processing and drying of sheets. In the present condition, a small quantity of higher grade rubber produced by the small farmers goes to the dealers who in turn sell it gradewise to the large dealers.

The resons for lowering the quality of sheets produced by the small growers of Alathur taluk are listed below:
1. Lack of proper cleanliness at all stages of processing
2. Lack of technical know how in the case of farmers as well as tappers for producing good quality sheets.
3. Lack of proper marketing system which ensures grade wise purchase of sheets produced by the small farmers at village level
Rubber Board has been conducting village level compaign during May-June. In every year from 1991, to train small growers and tappers on correct techniques of production of quality rubber sheets.

The education given to small growers on quality improvement of sheets will have no meaning if gradewise purchase of sheets at the grassroot level in all the rubber growing centres is not ensured.