From vacant lots to tapped trails: rubber boom raises hopes for stakeholders in Kerala

Rubber tapping is in progress at a plantation near Mundakayam. | Photo credit: VISHNU PRATHAP

Low prices and a lack of taps left rubber plantations in central Travancore overgrown and abandoned for years. Now they are being revived by a sharp increase in prices, with tap knives returning to work, neglected plots being cleared and even half-hectare plots finding buyers.

According to stakeholders, demand for leased plantations has increased sharply, with even small plots of half an acre attracting interest. Rental rates rose along with rubber prices, allowing owners to bring long-neglected plantations back into production.

“There is clearly a renewed momentum. Plantations that were long abandoned in places like Pala, Erumely, Kanjirappally and Erattupetta are now in high demand,” says Babu Joseph, general secretary of the National Consortium of Regional Federations of Rubber Companies in India.

Stock tapping arrangements are also being enforced. Under this system, the output is divided equally between the owner of the plantation and the tap facility. Since prices remain fixed, this arrangement allows owners to revive their plantations while giving workers a share of the proceeds. Leasing also offers farmers the advantage of receiving a lump sum up front. Both experienced tenants and newcomers are entering the field, drawn by the prospect of better returns.

Mr Joseph says most smallholder farmers remain emotionally attached to their plantations despite years of poor yields. “Despite setbacks, they rarely consider leaving, even if they disengage somewhat,” he says.

Key challenges

But the recovery comes with uncertainties. Farmers say changing weather is affecting production. Fewer rainy days have allowed it to continue longer this year, but warmer daily temperatures have reduced yields in many plantations. Heavy rain during the northeast monsoon could disrupt interception again.

Rubber Board chairman N. Hari says the renewed interest among small growers is encouraging. “In the rural areas, the dynamism is visible, especially when we visit rubber companies. I hope this will also serve as a turning point and encourage younger generations to take up rubber farming as a career,” he says. The board is supporting the revival through initiatives like INR Konnect, an online platform aimed at ensuring sufficient tap facilities, he adds.

Sheet rubber (RSS Grade 4) hit an all-time high of ₹ 287 per kg in the domestic market on Thursday (Oct 15, 2026), according to the Rubber Board’s daily price bulletin. Officials attribute the increase to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, strong demand from tire makers and other industrial buyers and supply constraints. With domestic production falling and the situation in West Asia remaining volatile, officials expect prices to remain firm for some time.

Published – 16 Oct 2026 06:20 IST