Present status of rubber smallholdings in Moneragala District

The objective of this study was to explore the present condition of mature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) smallholdings in Moneragala District for the purpose of development of an extension and development plan based on questionnaire survey in 2022. The majority of rubber smallholdings (41.5%) were in the category of 2 to 2.9 acre. Single ownership is more pronounced (81%) in rubber smallholdings. The most of the holdings (47%) were 14 to 15 years of age, while only 23% was more than 15 years of age. Average distance from rubber smallholding to the residence was 4 km (Ranged from 0 to 9.5 km). Nearly 41% of the Rubber Smallholders (RSs) lived in their rubber smallholdings. Cultivated clones were RRIC 100 (90%), RRIC 121 (8%) and RRIC 102 (2%). Average stand per acre in rubber smallholdings was 178 trees (Ranged from 129 to 204). Vacant areas in the fields were due to drought condition (57%), poor quality plants (32%) and wild animal attacks (wild boar and porcupine) (10%).
There are only two percent of RSs who have grown cocoa as mix cropping in rubber smallholdings. Weeding was practised by 69% RSs in regular basis, while recommended method of weeding was practised by 48%. Even though Brown root disease was reported (1%), it was not identified by 56% of RSs. Drains and terrances were found in 63% and 23%, respectively in rubber smallholdings. In 4.5% of the rubber smallholdings tapping had been commenced before 6 years of age and 63% of the holdings, the time taken for commencement of tapping was 7 years. Sample comprised of tapping panels A-58%, B-19%, C- 23% and D/other- 16%. Average tapping trees per acre was 170. Reasons for low number of tapping trees in the rubber smallholding was Tapping Pannel Dryness and the runts. Self and hired work forces were used for tapping.
Average productivity was 905 kg ha-1year-1, which ranged from 617 to 1512 on dry rubber basis. RSs produced RSS grades (88%) and raw latex (12%). The majority (68%) of the RSs in Moneragala produce RSS grade 3. Nearly 40% of the sample owned rolling facilities for making RSS while, 28% of RSs (RSS producers) used group processing centers. Nearly 55% of the sample used their own smoke houses for drying sheets. Quality rubber plant distribution at correct time, promoting self-tapping system, improving tapping skills and rehabilitation of smooth and diamond rollers and smoke houses should be focused in development of an extension and development plan in Moneragala.