Kerala rubber growers struggle despite prices hitting Rs 300 a kg
Rising natural rubber prices have not resolved structural issues like labour shortages and declining productivity for farmers in Kerala, according to Urban Acres.
Natural rubber prices in India have crossed the Rs 300 a kg mark, but Kerala's growers continue to face difficulties, according to a report by Urban Acres. While the price milestone has been reached, farmers are dealing with higher maintenance costs, labour shortages, and lower production levels.
The Rubber Board has set the price for RSS-4, or Grade One sheet rubber, at Rs 300 a kg. Other rates include Rs 294 for RSS-5, Rs 280 for SNR-20, and Rs 197.60 for latex with 60 per cent Dry Rubber Content. Rubber Board chairman N Hari described the Rs 300 level as a historic high that fulfilled long-standing farmer expectations.
Rubber farmer Tony P Emmanuel from Ernakulam district said the price looks attractive only in isolation. He noted that the cost of living and plantation maintenance has changed significantly over the last 14 years. Emmanuel also stated that yield from an acre has fallen to nearly one-third of what it was 15 years ago due to changes in temperature and rainfall.
The sector faces a shortage of skilled workers to tap trees, as the availability of Malayali workers has declined. Emmanuel told PTI that even if prices rose to Rs 500 a kg, the crisis would not be resolved if labour shortages and declining productivity continue.
Latex processor Martin Joseph from Kottayam district said the price increase is creating difficulties for processing units and non-tyre rubber manufacturers. Joseph stated his company incurred losses of approximately Rs 80 lakh over four months because the cost of raw materials rose beyond the selling price of finished goods.