The Labour Shortage Challenge
Labour shortage has been a problem that has plagued the Kerala rubber industry, which has over 90 per cent of the country’s rubber plantations. The local Rubber Board was in 2010 forced to source labour from other states including Odisha, and even paying them to go through a crash course in rubber tapping. . For years, the rubber industry in Kerala has been grappling with a major problem – a severe shortage of labor. With over 90 per cent of the country’s rubber plantations located in this beautiful state, this issue has not only hindered the growth of the industry but also threatened its very existence. However, in the face of adversity, there is always a silver lining. Today, we are on the cusp of a new era that promises to revolutionize the Kerala rubber industry and pave the way for unprecedented growth.
One of the main reasons behind the labor shortage has been the migration of workers to other sectors that offer better wages and working conditions. This has left rubber plantations struggling to find skilled and dedicated workers. The shortage has not only impacted the productivity and profitability of the industry but has also put a strain on the sustainability of rubber cultivation.
A Technological Revolution
But fear not! The Kerala rubber industry is now embracing technology with open arms to combat the labor shortage. Advanced machinery and automated systems are being introduced to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and reduce the dependency on manual labor.
This technological revolution is transforming the way rubber is cultivated, harvested, and processed. From automated tapping machines that extract latex from rubber trees to state-of-the-art processing units that can handle large volumes of rubber with minimal human intervention, the industry is experiencing a remarkable shift.
The Path to Progress
With the adoption of technology, the Kerala rubber industry is entering a new era of progress and prosperity. The streamlined processes and increased efficiency will not only help overcome the labor shortage but also boost productivity and profitability.
Furthermore, the introduction of advanced machinery will lead to a significant reduction in labor costs, making rubber cultivation more economically viable. This, in turn, will attract more investors to the industry, spurring its growth and creating new employment opportunities.
As we venture into this new era, it is crucial for all stakeholders – farmers, workers, and policymakers – to embrace and adapt to these changes. The future of the Kerala rubber industry depends on our ability to harness the power of technology and innovation.
