Problems and Prospects of Rubber Farmers in Kerala: A Primary Survey-Based Study

Abstract

Natural rubber cultivation is one of the most important plantation-based agricultural activities in Kerala, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods, employment generation, and the state's agricultural economy. However, rubber farmers increasingly face challenges arising from price volatility, labour shortages, rising production costs, climate change, and institutional constraints. Against this backdrop, the present study examines the problems and prospects of rubber farmers in Kerala using primary survey data. The study is based on a structured questionnaire administered to 81 rubber cultivators during April–May 2026. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distribution, percentage analysis, and mean score ranking were employed to analyse the data.
The findings reveal that rubber cultivation in Kerala is predominantly undertaken by educated smallholder farmers cultivating on self-owned land. Price fluctuation emerged as the most severe challenge faced by farmers, followed by labour shortages, high production costs, climate change-related issues, inadequate government support, and crop diseases. Although a majority of respondents continue to perceive rubber cultivation as profitable and intend to maintain their plantations, considerable uncertainty exists regarding its long-term sustainability. The study further finds that large-scale crop substitution has not yet occurred; however, declining interest among younger generations raises concerns regarding the future continuity of rubber cultivation. While awareness of government support schemes is relatively high, procedural complexities, lack of guidance, and delays in subsidy disbursement limit their effectiveness.
The study concludes that strengthening price stabilisation mechanisms, improving labour availability, promoting labour-saving technologies, enhancing extension services, and simplifying subsidy procedures are essential for improving the resilience and sustainability of the rubber sector in Kerala.