Trends in Area, Production and Productivity of Rubber Cultivation in Kanyakumari District

Abstract

Rubber cultivation plays a significant role in the plantation crop economy of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the major share of the state's natural rubber production. The present study aims to analyze the trends in area, production, and productivity of rubber cultivation in Kanyakumari District using secondary data. The study is based on time-series data collected from published sources such as the Rubber Board of India, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Tamil Nadu, NABARD reports, and relevant research publications. Trend analysis is employed to examine changes in cultivated area, output levels, and yield performance over the selected study period. The findings reveal that the area under rubber cultivation in the district has remained relatively stable with marginal variations, indicating limited scope for horizontal expansion. However, rubber production and productivity have shown noticeable fluctuations over the years, influenced by factors such as ageing plantations, climatic variability, labour shortages, and price volatility. The divergence between stable area and fluctuating productivity highlights the growing importance of efficiency and technological adoption in sustaining rubber cultivation. The study concludes that future growth of rubber cultivation in Kanyakumari District depends largely on productivity enhancement through replanting, scientific management practices, and supportive policy interventions. The results provide useful insights for policymakers, researchers, and development agencies concerned with plantation crop sustainability.