socio-economic profile of rubber tappers in the small holding sector

data collection, sample method is adopted. A total of two hundred sample tappers, 35
small growers and 15 women tappers are selected in the study area. The tapers selected on
random basis, i.e; 50 tappers from each ward. There are male and female tappers; self
tappers and hired tappers .
The sample tappers were selected by using the method of quota sampling ie; by
dividing the tappers into a quota of 50 from each ward. By using the random sampling
technique, we have selected the tappers from each quota. A random method is adopted in
the selection of small growers and women tappers .
In the case of sample survey, selected tappers were interviewed with a structural
questionnaire.
To understand the problem of tappers we have conducted discussions with
institutions like Rubber Board officials, trade union workers, labour offices, various
experts etc. Observation at the time of survey helped to some extent to generate some
aspects relating to tappers living conditions, tapping awareness etc., which are not
quantified.
The sample study includes the data regarding various aspects of the living
conditions of tappers, technology relating to tapping etc. On the basis of these data socio-
economic status of sample tappers is estimated. Average age of tappers, social and
economic status, the diffusion and rate of adoption of tapping techniques, growers’
response to tappers is also estimated from the sample data.
tools.
To analyze the socio-economic status of tappers we have used various statistical