ISBN: - 978-93-88936-09-5 high, 11 face package, 8 face lack of storage facility, 7 face loss of weight and deterioration in quality, and least 5 face grading problems. In Thovalai taluk, has 30 respondents ,8 have opined that the labour charges is high,7are face package,6 face loss of weight,5 lack of storage facility, 2 respondents faced deterioration in quality and grading problems Distribution of Sample Respondent Facing Problems in Marketing The activities of rubber marketing system connected with the movement of rubber from the primary producers to the ultimate consumers. There are distinct differences in the primary marketing system in the small holding and the estate sectors. Marketing of rubber is noted for its unique characteristic features. It is basically different from the marketing of any other agricultural rubber product. The marketing of natural rubber in Kerala is commonly adopted by small holders and estate sectors. Small holders and estate sector sell natural rubber to traders or dealers through a marketing channel. The following table explains the problems in marketing. Table 5.10 Problems in Marketing Problems Taluk Kalkulam Vilavancode Thovalai Total Transport tation 8 (11.4) 6 (12) 3 (10) 17 (11.3) Labour charges 12 (17.1) 10 (20) 5 (16.7) 27 (17.9) Package 5 (7.1) 4 (8) 3 (10) 12 (7.9) Comp etion 15 (21.4) 10 (20) 8 (26.7) 33 (21.9) Comm/ Broker 10 (14.3) 9 (18) 4 (13.3) 23 (15.3) Storage/ taxes 16 (22.9) 9 (21) 6 (20) 31 (20.6) license Total 4 70 (5.7) 2 (4) 1 (3.3) 11 (7.3) (100) 50 (100) 30 (100) 150 (100) Source: Computed from Primary data. Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total From the table 5.10, it is known that the rubber distributors are facing numerous problems. The basic problems include transportation, labour charges, package, competition, commission/brokerage, storage/taxes, and license. Above 20 per cent opinion that the competition and storage /taxes problems, 18 per cent of the respondents feel that the labour charges are high, 15 per cent respondents feel that the commission/brokerage problem, 11 per cent respondents are feel that the transportation charges, and remaining 7per cent and 7 per cent respondents are feel that the package and license problems respectively. Distribution of Sample Respondent by Sales through Wholesalers Whole sales are industries handling 500 to 1000 tonnes of raw rubber per month wholesales may mainly from middle level dealers, big dealers and estate holders. They in turn dispose of their 146
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