Exploring the Consequences of India’s Natural Rubber Imports on Native Cultivators: A Study of Nedumkunnam Village in Kottayam
摘要
Natural rubber usage increased at significant level due to its medicinal application. Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia are important rubber-producing nations worldwide at global level. Together, these nations supply more than 90% of the natural rubber used worldwide, which stimulates substantial economic growth. Present study analyse demographic composition of rubber cultivators and factors influencing domestic rubber cultivation due to natural rubber import in Nedumkunnam village, Kottayam district, Kerala. Factor analysis output identified that more than economic factor and environmental factor, market dynamic playing a significant role in deciding the demand of domestic rubber cultivation than natural rubber import. Study area covers Nedumkunnam is a village in the Changanacherry taluk of Kottayam District, Kerala, India. The village is a major trade hub for various cultivations dominated by rubber, pepper, coffee, pineapple, and banana. The geographical terrain of the village that offers ample rainfall, favourable temperature, and soil type has attracted rubber cultivation for centuries.