ISBN: - 978-93-88936-09-5 The Production of NR in India is characterized by lean and peak periods on the basis of changes in climatic conditions in the major rubber producing centres. 1.11 (A) Lean period Lean periods are those spans of period in which production is at the lowest due to adverse climatic conditions. There are two lean periods, Feb - March and June – July. During Feb, and March, the low yield is due to high temperature. The Majority of rubber growers give rest to rubber trees. When monsoon is in progress during June and July, rubber tapping becomes difficult and production comes down. It is clear that the yield is the lowest even though rain guard is used for tapping during rainy season. In Kanyakumari district several growers do not use rain guards for continued tapping during rainy days. Rainfall is an important factor that affects NR production and productivity in the district. Kanyakumari district alone loses an average of 27 tapping days every year due to heavy downpour. The average production loss per tapping day is about 91 tonnes and 2457 tonnes every year which is 11 per cent of the total population in the district. If rubber growers in the district use rain guard, rubber production can increase by 11 percent p.a. 1.11 (B) Peak period The yield of NR reaches the highest level during the peak period with the most favourable climatic conditions. May and October to January are the two peak periods. 1.12. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Rubber is one of the export products which generate revenue to the country. Today rubber is used for many purposes. It has an economic value. In, Kanyakumari district rubber cultivation is the prime activity. Nearly 80 percent of the people are engaged in rubber production and marketing. Rubber is the major cash crop, in this area. It enhances the regular income and brings foreign exchange and provides employment opportunities. The aim of study is to analyse the problems and the suggestions of rubber producer and marketers and to come out with possible practical suggestions. The questions that arise are as follows: a) What are the problems faced by the rubber cultivators and marketers? b) What are the socio-economic conditions of rubber producers? c) What are the reasons for the varying quality and quantity of rubber, produced in different seasons? d) How do the growers they get finance for rubber cultivation? 24
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