Growing rubber in Uva, Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka: Importance of an effective institutional role

There is ample evidence that people in Uva, Northern and Eastern provinces are very enthusiastic about rubber farming. The younger generation prefers rubber cultivation in these areas and the majority of the farmers believed that there will be improvement in their social status due to involvement in rubber industry. The community was confident that the involvement in rubber farming will create an efficient and enthusiastic environment in their lives and was confident about the next generation’s involvement in rubber industry. Majority of the farmers were willing to use family labour for rubber planting. Interest taken by the government, availability of the subsidy, popularity of the rubber crop and easy farming operations were considered as positive factors by the farmers in selecting rubber cultivation as a source of income. The institutions those are responsible for rubber farming have an important role to play in making use of farmers’ enthusiasm for rubber farming.

 

One of the issues which need involvement of Ministry of Plantation Industries (MPI), and Rubber Development Department (RDD) is timely issue of subsidy and inputs to farmers. Thurusaviya Fund (TF) has a role to play in establishment, registration and organizing of smallholder rubber societies and providing processing facilities and enhance sales and marketing of rubber. Rubber Research Institute should involve in research and development activities pertaining to assessment of vulnerability and finding adaptation measures for adverse weather conditions since the environment in nontraditional areas is not very conducive for planting of rubber. Further, a mechanism is necessary to ensure adoption of recommended practices perhaps through effective extension methods to make rubber farming a profitable and sustainable venture.