Good news for Kudumbashree women: Kerala raises rubber MSP to ₹250, offers training and steady jobs

Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to address the shortage of skilled rubber tappers and generate sustainable employment for rural women, the Kerala government has decided to train members of the Kudumbashree mission as rubber tappers and plantation managers. 

The programme will be expanded across major rubber-growing districts in the state.

The initiative, being implemented in partnership with Kerala Rubber Limited, aims to build a trained local workforce for the rubber sector, which has long struggled with a shortage of skilled labour.

Unlike several other industries in Kerala that rely on migrant workers, rubber tapping continues to face a manpower crunch because it requires specialised training.

The project was initially piloted in Melukavu panchayat in Kottayam district and will now be rolled out to Community Development Societies (CDSs) in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta before being extended to other rubber-producing regions.

Under the scheme, Kudumbashree CDSs will function as plantation management agencies, undertaking activities such as planting, maintenance, rubber tapping, processing and marketing on behalf of plantation owners.

While growers will receive a share of the annual income, participating women will earn regular wages and acquire specialised skills.

The Rubber Board, Rubber Producers' Societies and Kerala Rubber Limited will provide technical training, toolkits and financial assistance to support the initiative.

The expansion follows the state government's decision to increase the minimum support price for natural rubber from Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kg.

Officials believe the combined measures will improve the viability of rubber cultivation, encourage neglected plantations to be revived and create long-term livelihood opportunities for women in rural Kerala.