New study suggests measures for propping up Keralam’s ailing natural rubber sector
A new study by the Public Policy Research Institute suggests that Kerala's natural rubber sector needs structural reforms, including the revival of rubber producers' societies and a restructuring of incentive schemes. The report highlights the impact of price volatility and market dominance by major tyre manufacturers on small-scale farmers.
Why it matters
The findings address the economic sustainability of a major agricultural sector in Kerala and the livelihood of small-scale farmers.
Emphasising the need to prop up Keralam’s ailing natural rubber sector, a new study has suggested reviving rubber producers’ societies (RPS), overhauling the rubber production incentive scheme (RPIS) and floating a scheme for tapping abandoned plantations.
The Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI), a think tank under the Finance department which conducted the study, has submitted its report, ‘Price fall of natural rubber and its impact on Kerala economy - Study of an natural rubber-dominant grama panchayat,’ to the Kerala State Planning Board. For the purpose of the study, PPRI’s S. Mohanakumar, Vipin Kumar R. and Prem Kumar examined the impact of falling rubber prices on Chirakkadavu, a natural rubber-reliant grama panchayat in Kottayam district.
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