From Our Correspondent
Agartala: The main reason behind the low productivity of natural rubber in Tripura is because of shortage of skilled tapers, according to experts of Rubber Board. Out of total 60, 0000 hectares of rubber cultivation, roughly 27,000 hectares are under tapping process in the state. As per the procedure, one skilled taper is needed to collect latex of about one hectare of rubber cultivation.
“Unfortunately, there is severe shortage of skilled tapers affecting full potential of latex collection, said Anil Kumar, Joint Rubber Production Commissioner said here on Monday.
Here low yielding variety of rubber saplings (RRIM600) are being planted while in Kerala high yielding variety- RRII105 is being used that has enhanced the productivity in Kerala, he said.
The Rubber Board has already set up two training schools in North and Sipahijala districts to impart training on latex collection, said another experts of Rubber Board.
