ABSTRACT
This chapter talks about the rubber smallholder sector in Kerala and its regional dimensions of growth and performance with a view to contextualize the problem of tapper shortage and its magnitude. It presents some macro indicators depicting the status of the rubber smallholder sector across the some regions in Kerala. The chapter examines the intensity of labour/tapper shortage as experienced by the farmers in the various rubber-growing locations of Kerala. It explores the issue of shortage as perceived and experienced by the rubber plantation estates. The chapter discusses the measures and actions adopted by the rubber producers and other stakeholders to manage the problem of tapper shortage and their outcomes. The rubber sector in Kerala has a dominant share in the total agricultural employment, as rubber is the single largest crop occupying almost 26 per cent of the gross cropped area in the state at present.
