Rubber output shortfall unlikely to be bridged

Rubber output shortfall unlikely to be bridged
Kochi: The country's natural rubber production has dropped 5.7 per cent during the first eight months of the current year. However, a good portion of this shortfall is likely to be made good during the ensuing peak tapping season. The shortfall could be bridged to 3.7 per cent, according to Mr Sajen Peter, Chairman of the Rubber Board.

To a degree the fall in production was contributed by large and growing areas of rubber plantations with "aged trees", whose productivity is low. Despite productive area expanding 3,000 hectares last year, the production shortfall would mainly be on account of a decline in yield from 1,903 kg/hectare to an anticipated 1,820 kg/hectare expected in 2009. The Malaysia-based Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) said that a major portion of this fall would be due to aged trees lowering production and productivity. (BL)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/09/17/stories/2009091751461601.htm