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

a tendency to stick on to system of tapping which is more or less out dated. Various types
of high yielding clones are introduced later. Subsequently, modifications in tapping
techniques have also been proposed and implemented. But the old generation of tappers
who represent a lion share of total tapping community is usually unaware of these
changes due to lack of training facilities. On the contrary, the new generation of tappers
are not interested in tapping and they consider only as a temporary engagement. They
also do not try to follow better techniques of tapping which is indispensable for better
crop and durability of trees. A substantial proportion of growers are not satisfied with the
performance of their tappers. But lack of skilled tappers compels them to retain the
existing tappers.
The approach of tappers should also be considered. Majority of the tappers belong
to the age group, above 40 years. Though they are not averse to tapping, it is not easy to
train them in the modern technique of tapping due to their over age, ‘personal bondage’
with growers and a sufficient amount of ‘ego’ that they are the masters of tapping.
The younger generation is averse to tapping. Only 6 percent of tappers come under
the age group below 30 years. They are more dissatisfied with the prevailing wage rate
than the older generation. They consider tapping as a temporary livelihood. They are not
interested to stick on to tapping like the older generation. An occasional movement
between casual labour and tapping can be seen. The lack of ‘skilled tappers’ is the basic
reason behind the complaint of shortage of laboureres.
Behind the operation of supply and demand there is the working of personal
relationship between tapper and grower.
Most of the tappers especially younger generation do not enjoy the pleasure of
work. A feeling of being comfortable is far away from tappers. Low wage rate is not the