Equip small farmers for sustainable growth,rubber industry told

Equip small farmers for sustainable growth,rubber industry told, Source-The hindu

• Small holders are resource poor and passing through hard times.
• As the global value chain is towards sustainable future,the biggest challenge is to equip smallholders.
• Economic viability of rubber cultivaton is under threat.
• The small farmers may be forced to look for alternative livelihood.
• Low rate of replanting, retention of uneconomic old trees, abandonment of mature trees, technology stagnation etc are signs of stress for farmers.
• This will result in low yields.
• A decline in average yield increases the cost of production of natural rubber.