Nybe EVVijayakumar VR2020-11-272020-11-271994170695https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810155863P GNatural rubber is one of the crops enjoying Government patronage on account of the growing internal consumption and the strategic commercial importance. Efforts to increase indigenous production consisted of extensive cultivation and modernization of the existing plantations. For this, assistance was provided by the Rubber Board since 1957 with special consideration to the small holding sector. The present study intended the assessment and analysis of the impact of the RPD Scheme implemented by the Rubber Board in Malappuram district. The data collected from the rubber growers and additional details collected from the Rubber Board were analysed and the major findings are summarized as follows: From the study, it was found that 25 of the growers (41.67%) were having only landed property upto 1.00 ha out of which 12 growers (48%) have planted 100 per cent of the area with rubber. It was also revealed that 51 growers (85%) replaced other crops with rubber where cashew was the main crop (33.33%). All these 51 growers opined that they planted rubber as other crops were not profitable as rubber in Malappuram district. It was noticed that 44 growers (73.33%) have planted the clone RRII 105. This comes to 82 per cent if the growers under the RPDS alone are considered. It was also observed that 50 per cent of the growers under the RPDS have used polybagged plants. This means that majority of the growers are adopting the recommendation of the Board. The farmers have gained a fair amount of scientific knowledge of cultivation of rubber by undertaking own planting. Thirty six growers under the RPDS and 5 growers not under the RPDS have followed the recommended planting distances. So also, 11 growers (22%) have maintained a per hectare stand in between 400 to 500. In the case of intercropping, it was revealed that 30 per cent did not raise intercrop and 38 per cent maintained it upto the second year and only 2 per cent upto the third year. No one planted intercrop after the third year. The intercrop raised helped the growers to a very great extent to supplement their income during the immaturity period. This also means that the growers have adopted the recommendations of the Board which goes to the credit of the RPDS. The study further revealed that the polybagged plants do not have any advantage in the overall growth during the latter period of the immaturity phase. If budded stumps are planted in the ideal season/condition, they can also thrive well as the polybagged plants and attain equal girth by which the development cost can be reduced considerably. The study indicated that 68.33 per cent of the growers have adopted alternate daily tapping system which is normally recommended. Some growers gave rest during rainy and summer months which adversely affected the yield and productivity. The study has brought to light that the yield will be uneconomic if the number of tappings obtained are less than 100 per year. It was further noticed that it will be possible to get an yield of 2948 kg or more per hectare if planted with RRII 105 and if the scientific management practices and correct system of tapping are followed. It is noticeable that all the participants have expressed their appreciation in the implementation of the RPD Schemes. However, 28 growers have desired that imparting of technical assistance in the pre-planting period and after starting tapping would go a long way to improve proper management of areas planted under the RPD scheme. Scarcity of skilled tappers and labour in Malappuaram district needs immediate attention. It is suggested that the Rubber Board may strengthen the extension and advisory services so that the growers can get timely help especially before carrying out the pre-planting works. Better service may also be provided in the exploitation period. Scarcity of skilled tappers is due to low wage rate for tappers in rubber plantations. So, training programme may also be conducted in a phased manner and introduction of new systems of exploitation practiced in other countries which does not require much skill. May be thought of so that unskilled labourers can be effectively engaged. The impact of the implementation of the RPD Schemes, especially in the small holding sector, is clearly manifested in Malappuram district. The small holders share was 88.77 per cent in 1990-91. The rate of growth was 167.03 per cent in holdings having area up to 1.00 ha. Kozhikode district in South Malabar having the same agro-climatic conditions showed a lesser performance than that of Malappuram district Fig.4). This concludes that the RPD Schemes have created a positive impact among the rubber growers in Malappuram district which enabled them to develop good plantations realizing better profit as compared to other crops.EnglishThesis