Thiruvananthapuram: The State is witnessing a decline in the production of plantation crops like rubber and tea. Rubber production has declined to 6.3 lakh tonnes from 6.8 lakh tonnes in 2022. Although tea production increased in the neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Kerala saw a decrease of 5.8 percent from the previous year's production.

At the same time, the figures of the Association of Planters - Kerala show that coffee, cardamom, cocoa etc. are becoming popular in the global market. Cardamom production and prices also have increased.

Decline in rubber productivity
Plantation owners have come up with demands including diversification of crops keeping in mind the crisis in the plantation sector, acquisition of plantations for public purposes and above all a plantation policy.
These matters will be discussed at the annual general meeting to be held in Kochi on September 28.

During the first half of the current year, a decrease in the production of rubber by 20-25 percent was recorded. Natural rubber productivity has decreased from 1800 kg to 1482 kg per hectare. Lack of re-cultivation is cited as one of the reason by the planters for the decline in production. 

No new cultivation methods 

Tea production stood at 63.75 million kg, while it was 67.7 million kg in the previous year. The main cause of the decline is the high cost of production. Climate change also acted against production, besides the lack of new cultivation methods.

Hope for coffee and cardamom production

A slight increase in coffee production and an upturn in the cardamom market are promising. Coffee production increased to 72,825 tonnes from 72,425 tonnes. The average productivity of Robusta and Arabica varieties have increased from 814 kg per hectare to 852 kg per hectare.

Around 40-50 percent crop damage has occurred in the cardamom fields this year due to extreme heat. However, the average price of cardamom last month touched Rs 2,217 per kg. Last year's average price was Rs 1,780 per kg.