Local knowledge in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) farming systems in Sri Lanka: applications and constraints

To explore the local knowledge intermingled with rubber farming systems in Sri Lanka and to compare the knowledge of traditional (TRA) and non-traditional (NTRA) rubber growing areas in Sri Lanka, a knowledge base (KB) was developed acquiring farmers’ knowledge from the above two areas. For the generalisation of the KB, a non-leading questionnaire based survey was done island wide in all rubber growing regions.

 

Farmers in TRA have detailed knowledge about rubber cultivation than those who are in NTRA. However, the knowledge on intercrops, their selections, practices and interactions with the environment are better in NTRA compared to those in TRA. The main areas of knowledge were the growth and yield performance of rubber and intercrops, shade cast by rubber, soil erosion, moisture and fertility. Application of ‘clay mixture’ on the bark of the rubber tree to prevent bark from diseases and to enhance the growth of the bark and avoiding the period from defoliation to refoliation from harvesting of rubber latex (‘winter resting’) were outstanding among the practices of farmers done on their knowledge which are to be investigated scientifically.