ISBN: - 978-93-88936-09-5 Vilavancode and Thovalai. The total numbers of samples were 550 from rubber producers, tappers, wholesalers and retailers by adopting purposive sampling. From the total sample of the study, 300 respondents are selected among the rubber producers (cultivators), 150 respondents are selected among rubber tappers, and 150 respondents are selected among distributors. Thus, equal importance is given to the production and marketing of natural rubber. 1.16. COLLECTION OF DATA Both primary and secondary data are used for the present study. The primary data are collected from the sample respondents by questionnaire method with well-designed and structured short questions. Before understanding the main survey, a tentative questionnaire is prepared and administered to the natural rubber growers and distributors in order to test the validity of the questionnaire. It facilitated the removal of the ‘non-response’ and unwarranted questions and thus the modified final schedule are prepared. 1.16(A) Primary data: The selected respondents are contacted in person and the objectives of the study are explained to them and their co-operation is ensured. A well-structured questionnaire is distributed to all the respondents. Direct personal interviews are arranged with the rubber growers, distributors, tappers, employees of rubber board and rubber industrialists to elicit essential information pertaining to the study. 1.16(B) Secondary Data: Following are the secondary data used for the study. i) Production, consumption, export, import, and stock of NR from 2001-02 to 201415. ii) World Level Rubber production by various countries from 2001 to 2015. iii) World rubber consumption from 2001-02 to 2014-15. iv) Consumption of NR in main producing countries in the world from 2001-02 to 2014-15. v) Type-wise production of NR in India 2001-02 to 2014-15. vi) Month wise export of Natural Rubber 2001-02 to 2012-13. 1.16(C) Sources of Secondary Data The following are the main sources from which the secondary data required for the present study were collected. Indian Rubber Statistics, Rubber Board Bulletin and Rubber Statistical News (Rubber Board, Kottayam), Planter's Chronicle (UPASI, Connoor), Rubber News (Polymer Publication, Mumbai), Parliamentary Digest (Business Information Bureau, 26
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