Rain guard system for rubber planters

Ridma Dissanayake

The Rubber Research Institute (RRI) introduced the rain guard system for rubber planters to help tap rubber throughout the year. "Rubber tapping is possible only when the bark of the tree is dry.

So, a proper rain guard system is necessary for the uninterrupted tapping of trees during the rainy season. The product is so designed that it can be fitted on the rubber tree, protecting tapping panel and latex collection cup from rain water, "Rubber Research Institute sources explained. "Under this system, rubber planters will receive the opportunity to continuously tap rubber during the dry and wet seasons.

"This will provide a rubber milk throughout the year. Around 20 percent out of the total rubber milk harvest is wasted during the rainy season,which is a huge loss to the country's economy. Therefore, Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe has directed ministry officials to grant a 25 percent discount to rubber planters who are willing to buy the Rubber Guard system," souces said.