Rubber Farmers Research Articles

Activation of Rubber-Seed Shell Waste by Malic Acid as Potential CO2 Removal: Isotherm and Kinetics Studies.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been deemed a significant contributor to the climate crisis and has an impact on environmental systems. Adsorption is widely used among other technologies for carbon capture because of its many benefits. As a starting material for the production of activated carbon (AC) by chemical activation using malic acid due to its biodegradable and non-toxic properties, rubber seed shell (RSS) was used as agricultural waste from rubber farming. Sample A6, which was carbonized for 120 min at a temperature of 600 °C and impregnated at a ratio of 1:2, was identified to achieve the highest surface area of 938.61 m2/g with micropore diameter of 1.368 nm, respectively. Using the fixed volumetric approach measured at 25, 50, and 100 °C, the maximum CO2 adsorption capability reported is 59.73 cm3/g of adsorbent. Using the pseudo-first order of Lagergren, the pseudo-second order and the Elovich model, experimental data is modeled. It appears that, based on the correlation coefficient, the pseudo-first order model is aligned with the experimental findings. Furthermore, the activation energy of under 40 kJ/mol indicated a physical adsorption occurs, indicating that the RSS chemically activated with malic acid is a fascinating source of CO2 removal requirements.

Location and economic resilience in rubber farming communities in southwest China

PurposeIn rural areas, geographic location is key to market access and labor mobility of farm households. This paper aims to investigate the opportunities and constraints of smallholder rubber farmers in southwest China to adjust to the changes in economic and institutional conditions, namely the declining rubber prices, emerging land rental markets and growing off-farm job opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical basis is a dataset of some 600 rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, collected in March 2015. The study uses instrumental variable and recursive bivariate probit models to account for possible endogeneity and selection bias.FindingsWith rubber prices in decline, the elevation of rubber plantations is an essential factor for the costs of access to the local factor markets and influences farm households' possibilities to adopt coping strategies. Notably, we find a U-shape type of relationship between the location and renting-out land due to the decline in rubber profitability. Rubber producers in low elevations are better bestowed with access to local markets. Households in high elevations, where rubber planting came in later, can shift to new crops like tea. However, the economic resilience of farmers in middle elevations is low due to their higher adjustment costs.Originality/valueThe paper provides a constructive basis for designing more location-specific development policies and can help avoid the past often ineffective blanket measures. Its implications have significant relevance for areas with similar conditions, for example, the remote, ethnic minority–dominated and mountainous rural areas in China.

Perceived extension needs of rubber production among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria

The need to develop a sustainable exploitation system for the Nigerian rubber farmers requires that extension services should be available to assist the farmers in specific areas that can help them function effectively and improve productivity. The study investigated the perceived extension needs of rubber production farmers in Delta state Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to determine sources of information on rubber production, varieties of rubber clones cultivated by the respondents, perceived extension needs of rubber farmers, and constraints to rubber production. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 120 rubber farmers as respondents for the study. Data were analysed using frequency, percentages, means and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis. Results showed that majority of the respondents (85.5%) were male, married (83.3%) and had average farming experience of 14 years. The NIG801 and NIG800 varieties were the local clones majorly cultivated and the GT1 and PB217 varieties were the exotic clones majorly cultivated. Findings also showed that respondents need production information on use of formic acid for latex coagulation (66.7%), use of ammonia for latex preservation (73.3%) and marketing information (60.8%). The constraintsindicated by the respondents were problem of land tenure (81.7%), lack of adequate credit facilities (70%), fire outbreaks (72.5%) among others. The result of the hypothesis showed that age (r = 0.199) had a positive significant relationship with farmers’ extension needs. It was recommended that extension personnel should be trained on techniques of rubber production in order to deliver effectively to the farmers.
 Key words: extension needs, rubber, farmers, Delta, Nigeria

Baseline sensitivity of penthiopyrad against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex and its efficacy for the control of Colletotrichum leaf disease in rubber tree

Colletotrichum leaf disease (CLD), mainly caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC), is a serious disease of rubber tree in most rubber-growing countries. Few fungicides are available for rubber farmers to manage this disease. To control CLD effectively, it is important to test the baseline sensitivity and efficacy of fungicides against CGSC isolates. Penthiopyrad is a new succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) that has been registered for use in many countries. In this study, baseline sensitivity to penthiopyrad was established by mycelial growth methods using 91 CGSC isolates collected from rubber trees in China. The EC50 values of penthiopyrad ranged from 0.243 to 3.377 mg/L with a mean EC50 value of 1.685 mg/L. Penthiopyrad greatly decreased the mycelial biomass and increased cell membrane permeability of CGSC isolates. The mycelia were severely distorted, and the number of top branches increased with penthiopyrad treatment. Penthiopyrad inhibited succinate dehydrogenase activity, causing a decrease in the ATP content of CGSC isolates, and significantly inhibited conidia germination and appressorium formation on rubber tree leaves. The protective and curative efficacy of 100 mg/L penthiopyrad reached up to 98.53% and 66.79% against CLD, respectively. Our results demonstrated the high inhibitory activity of penthiopyrad against CGSC isolates and its potential for CLD management on rubber tree.

Climate change and farmers’ perceptions: impact on rubber farming in the upper Mekong region

This article examines the impact of farmers’ perceptions of temperature change on implementing environmentally friendly agriculture practices on rubber plantations. Based on the data collected from 611 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (XSBN) in the upper Mekong region, an endogenous switching probit model and an endogenous treatment effects model are applied to estimate the impacts of farmers’ perceptions of temperature change on implementing environmentally friendly rubber plantations (EFRP) proxied by the intercropping system. While the real annual average temperature in XSBN has been increasing, only 59% of respondents perceived an increasing trend, whereas over 38% perceived no change. Farmers’ perceptions of temperature change appear to hinge on their education and socioeconomic characteristics and the experience of shocks related to regional climate change. Improving farmers’ perceptions of increasing temperature can significantly foster their practice of EFRP. Hence, policies that promote awareness of regional climate change can effectively encourage the implementation of mitigation practices.

Human-elephant conflict in Pu Mat National Park region, Nghe An Province: current status and impact on the conservation atitude of local residents

Pu Mat National Park (NP) region is designated by the Government of Vietnam as a priory area for conservation of the Asian elephant. Out of three elephant groups currently inhabited Pu Mat NP region, only the group in Anh Son District (Anh Son elephant group) causes severe human-elephant conflict (HEC) with significant economic damage for local villagers and rubber farms, human casualties, and induced psychological pressure for local residents. Because of the HEC, support for the elephant conservation of local residents was significantly reduced and the retaliatory killing of an elephant happened in 2011.This study assessed the HEC status in Anh Son District and identified the main causes of HEC here.

Analisis Pendapatan Petani Karet Bibit Unggul Dan Bibit Tradisional Di Kecamatan Batang Cenaku Kabupaten Indragiri Hulu

AbstractThis research was conducted in the District of Batang Cenaku Indragiri Hulu. This is because the District of Batang Cenaku an area that makes rubber commodity as one commodity and in meeting their needs. The purpose of this study was to determine how the income of farmers in the district rubber rod upstream and Indragiri district Cenaku To know that used descriptive analysis, the data obtained are tabulated and then described by existing theories. The survey results revealed that the rubber plantation is vital to the income of the people in the District of Batang Cenaku Thus it can be seen that the average income of farmers quality seeds rubber plant samples with an area of 1 hectare of Rp. 8,241,724, - per year, while the average income of farmers' traditional seed samples rubber plant with an area of 2 hectares of Rp. 8,463,739, - per year. A comparison of income between farmers using traditional quality seeds and that happened 2 times where income 1 hectare equals income prefetch queue seeds 2 acres of farmers using traditional seeds.Businesses manage rubber plantation is a tradition for the people of District of Batang Cenaku Indragiri Hulu. Many efforts have been done by the government in the development of rubber plantations, such as by providing quality seeds and adequate capital for rubber farmers.

Microbial Control of Leptopharsa heveae Drake & Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Brazilian Rubber Tree Plantations: a Brief Historical Account and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi by Means of Multigene Phylogeny.

Over the last decades, a few fungal species have been mentioned in the literature associated with the rubber tree lace bug, Leptopharsa heveae Drake & Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The rubber plantation area treated with these biocontrol agents has been steady since the 1990s, estimated in 10,000-15,000ha per year. A few large-scale rubber operations, one biocontrol company, and three government-owned laboratories were, and currently one still is, involved in their commercialization. One species, currently referred to as Sporothrix insectorum, has been historically deployed in biocontrol applications in Brazilian rubber farms. However, L. heveae-infecting isolates have only been identified through morphological examinations; therefore, proper molecular assessments are needed for accurate identifications. Hence, DNA of six L. heveae-infecting isolates (five of which have been deployed in field applications) were extracted and sequenced. Multigene phylogeny found that both Simplicillium lanosoniveum and Cordyceps (formerly Isaria) sp. have been sprayed on rubber plantations to manage L. heveae populations, although the former is the only one currently applied. Simplicillium lanosoniveum and Cordyceps sp. have no relation whatsoever to true Sporothrix species associated with human and animal diseases. Therefore, our molecular data may encourage biocontrol companies to register mycoinsecticides targeting L. heveae. We also added unpublished historical accounts after contacting key contributors to the launching of this not so well-known biocontrol program in the 1980s.

Hubungan Stres Kerja dengan Kelelahan Kerja Petani Karet di PTPN XII Kebun Renteng, Ajung-Jember

Rubber farmers often face heavy workload problems, cold weather, and unsafe environmental conditions that cause job stress and work fatigue. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between job stress and work fatigue of rubber farmers. The study design used observational analytic research with cross-sectional approach and a simple random sampling technique. There were 78 respondents. Data were collected using the job stress questionnaire and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data analysis was performed by Spearman-rank Correlation test with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that from 78 people there were 73 people (92.6%) experienced severe stress. And as many as 78 respondents (100%) experienced high work fatigue. There was a significant relationship between job stress and work fatigue of rubber farmers in PTPN XII Renteng Gardens, Ajung-Jember (p-value 0,000; r = 0.538). A positive relationship meaning the higher of job stress the higher of work fatigue. Farmers were recommended to do relaxation therapy to prevent work fatigue due to work stress.

Farmers Perception towards Agri-clinical Services for Rubber Plantation Crop at Sepahijala District of Tripura

This study aims to access and evaluate the Farmers perception towards Agri-clinical services of the rubber crop. The study has taken readings on the basis of their awareness level towards clinical services, the perception regarding clinical services, the significance of issues during the application of clinical services and some suggestive opinions of farmers located at Sepahijala district of Tripura. Study has highlighted the level of awareness and knowledge among farmers for clinical services to be used for rubber plantation crop. The study has highlighted that the subsidies will increase more development in their purchasing capacity like equipment and tools and also it will lead to more participation in rubber farming. It has been categorically identified the core significance of clinical services among the key stakeholders of the plantation crop. Paper has made an attempt to find out the utilization of farm utility, schemes, proper handling of inputs and risk management functions of commodity.

Soil Health Impacts of Rubber Farming: The Implication of Conversion of Degraded Natural Forests into Monoculture Plantations

High revenues from rubber latex exports have led to a rapid expansion of commercial rubber cultivation and, as a consequence, the conversion of different land use types (e.g., natural forests) into rubber plantations, which may lead to a decrease in soil health. In this study in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, we determined: (1) the variation of soil health parameters along a chronosequence of rubber tree stands and natural forests and (2) the relationships and potential feedback between vegetation types, vegetation structures and soil health. Our results revealed that: (1) soil health was higher in natural forests than in rubber plantations with a higher values in higher biomass forests; (2) soil health was lower in younger rubber plantations; (3) soil health depends on vegetation structure (with significantly positive relationships found between soil health and canopy cover, litter biomass, dry litter cover and ground vegetation cover). This study highlights the need for more rigorous land management practices and land use conversion policies in order to ensure the long-term conservation of soil health in rubber plantations.

STUDY OF PINEAPPLE EXOCARP, GADUNG TUBER AND LIQUID OF PULP COCOA FERMENTATION AS LATEX COAGULANTS TOWARD RUBBER QUALITY

Some rubber farmers in Indonesia use un-recommended latex coagulant and it causes bad quality of rubber. The utilization of organic latex coagulants has the potential way to improve rubber quality. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pineapple exocarp extract, gadung tuber extract and liquid of pulp cocoa fermentation as latex coagulants toward rubber quality. The study was using Randomized Completely Block Design with six treatments and four replications the treatments tested was 10 ml and 20 ml pineapple exocarp extract, 10 ml and 20 ml gadung extract and 10 ml and 20 ml liquid of pulp cocoa fermentation. The parameters observed were contact time, weight of rubber and rubber characteristic which are comprised of serum clarity, rubber color and rubber stinky smell produced, ash content and volatile matter compared to Standart Indonesian Rubber (SIR) 20. The result of this study showed that 20 ml latex coagulant had faster contact time than others and increased weight of the rubber. It showed that rubbers produced a bit stinky smell as well, it was better than rubbers produced by inorganic latex coagulant.

Do transaction costs influence smallholder rubber farmers’ choice of selling outlets? Evidence from Liberia

ABSTRACT This article determines the effect of transaction costs and socio-economic factors on smallholder natural rubber farmers’ decisions to sell at the farm gate to itinerant traders or in the alternative markets in Liberia. Cross-sectional data were collected from 200 smallholder natural rubber farmers through multistage sampling. The results indicate that transaction costs and socio-economic variables significantly influenced the choice of selling outlets. The study recommends that policy could aim at establishing market support services in the form of market information systems and affordable means of transportation to enhance access to up-to-date market information on trading partners and prices.

PENDAPATAN DAN TINGKAT KESEJAHTERAAN SUBJEKTIF KELUARGA PETANI ALIH KOMODITI PADI KE KARET DI KECAMATAN ABUNG SURAKARTA KABUPATEN LAMPUNG UTARA

This research aims to analyze the income of rubber plantation in the past year and the subjective welfare level of farmer household who switch commodity from rice plant to rubber in District of Abung Surakarta. This research was conducted in February-March 2019 using a survey method. The number of respondents was 56 farmers using simple random sampling technique. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and inferencing statistics and the analysis tools used are farm income and subjective welfare indicators using a Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The results of the analys showed that the average income of rubber farming based on cash costs and the total costs are Rp27,821,627.65 / hectar / year and Rp18,357,350.60 / hectare / year. Farmer households are dominated by subjective welfare in high level criteria.Key word: farming income, subjective welfare, transfer of commodity

ANALISIS EFISIENSI TATANIAGA BAHAN OLAH KARET (BOKAR) DI DESA SUMBU SARI KECAMATAN MESUJI RAYA KABUPATEN OGAN KOMERING ILIR PROPINSI SUMATERA SELATAN

Efficiency Analysis of Rubber Sports Materials (Bokar) in Sumbu Sari Village, Mesuji Raya District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. This study aims to find out how the channels of community rubber trading in Sumbu Sari Village, Mesuji Raya District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, and calculating how much the level of trading efficiency of rubber processing materials (bokar) in Sumbu Sari Village is seen from the trading margin, the trading advantages and the share received by the farmers. This research was carried out in August 2018.The sampling method in this study is the sampling method used is simple random (Random sampling). Sampling was carried out on rubber farmers whose rubber plants were around 10 to 15 years old with an average land area of 2 ha and a population of 100 heads of rubber farmers in Sumbu Sari Village. While the sample was taken 20 percent, the number of farmers sampled was 20 rubber farmers as respondents.The results of this study indicate that there is a trading channel that involves two intermediary institutions, namely wholesalers and factories / exporters (PT. Hevea MK II) as the final consumers in the Rubber Material Material Trading Channel (BOKAR) in Sumbu Sari Village, Mesuji Raya District, Ogan Regency. Komering Ilir and the level of efficiency of the trading system for Rubber Sports Materials (BOKAR) which is 33.28% (efficient) with the farmer's share of the trade of 57.14% and the total trading margin of Rp. 6,000 contained in the trading channel in Sumbu Sari Village, Mesuji Raya District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. This shows that short trading channels are more efficient than long trading channels. Key words : efficiency, Bokar, rubber

The Knowledge Level of Market Information by Farmers and The Influencing Factors

This study aims to measure the knowledge level of market information by rubber and what factors can influence it. This study also finds out whether there is a gap or the difference between the mastery at the farm level with the mastery of information at the traders level. This research was located in Sintang District which is one of rubber production center in West Kalimantan. The number of respondents was determined by 153 farmers of respondents distributed in each location. Frequency analysis, chi-square and multiple linear regression were used to answer the objectives. The results showed that the level of mastery of market information by rubber farmers is included in the medium to the high category for price indicators, form, time and place. Then the data shows that there was no gap or difference in the mastery of market information between farmers and traders in general, but for the mastery of price information obtained results, there was a gap between farmers and traders. The factors affecting the mastery of rubber farmers’ market information are age, income from farming, distance from the house to the factory, electronic communication media, online communication media and utilization of information source from the internal factory (foreman/manager).

PENYULUHAN USAHA AGRIBISNIS PEDESAAN KEPADA WANITA KELOMPOK TANI (WKT) DI DESA KARANG BINDU, PRABUMULIH.

Karang Bindu Village is one of the villages in Rambang Kapak Tengah District, Prabumulih, where most of the people have a livelihood as rubber farmers. Health care facilities in Karang Bindu Village are increasingly limited, only puskesmas are available and besides the cost of treatment is also increasingly expensive. There are several organizations in Karang Bindu Village among other Women Farmers Groups. However, the role of Women Farmers Groups in Karang Bindu Village is still not optimal compared to other villages. This can be seen from the addition of the use of the yard. Counseling about rural agribusiness for Women Farmer Groups in Karang Bindu Village is expected to provide knowledge about types of medicinal plants and their benefits, increase knowledge of procedures for growing Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA), provide knowledge about marketing and provide knowledge of making simple financial statements.

Simultaneous Equation Model for Economic Calculation of Households of Independent Rubber Farmers in Mineral Land in Kampar Regency, Riau Province

Rubber is a plantation crop which is mostly a source of community income in Kampar District. As a source of household income, rubber farming is managed by households independently. This study generally aims to design models and government policy strategies in the development of smallholder rubber plantations on land typology mineral land conditions on the economic decision making of rubber farmer households. Specifically, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the characteristics of independent smallholders and internal and external dominant factors that influence the allocation of working time, income and household expenses of rubber farmers. This research was conducted using a survey method located in Kampar District. The data used in this study consisted of primary data obtained using the interview method. Samples were taken by simple random sampling method with 60 rubber farmers. Descriptive analysis and Economic Decision Model of Rubber Farmer Households using the simultaneous equation model approach with the Two Stages Least Square (2SLS) analysis method were performed to answer the research objectives. The results showed that only internal factors of farm households are responsive to household economic decisions. There are no external factors included in the model that are responsive to the economic decisions of rubber farming households in Kuantan Singingi Regency regarding the aspects of production, working time allocation, income and expenditure of rubber farming households. From the aspect of production, no responsive internal or external factors were found, but the biggest effect was the number of productive rubber stems. From the aspect of work time allocation, internal factors that are responsive to influence are the total outpouring of farmer work, outpouring of farm family work in businesses and the workforce of farmer households. Furthermore, from the aspect of farmer's household income the responsive internal factors that influence it are the farmer's household income in the business. then what influences household expenditure is outflow of work in business, farmer education, wife education and total rubber farmer income. The policy implications of increasing rubber prices and outpouring of family work in the business have the most positive impact. While the increase in wages for workers outside the family has a negative impact on the household economy.

Occupational Diversification and Socio-Economic Life of Rubber Farmers after the Fall in Rubber Prices in Pelita Sagop Jaya Village of Indra Makmur Subdistrict in East Aceh

This research aims to analyze occupational diversification and the socio-economic conditions of rubber farmers in Pelita Sagop Jaya Village, Indra Makmur Subdistrict, East Aceh. This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach through data collection techniques in the form of interviews, observations, and documentation related to secondary data to support this research. The results of occupational diversification research carried out by rubber farmers after the fall in rubber prices by doing additional or side jobs such as being a casual daily laborer at PTPN 1 Aceh, a mobile fish seller, opening a staple food stall, and becoming a marketing trip for umrah (Islamic minor pilgrimage) and with the help of the role of his wife. Overall, occupational diversification carried out by rubber farmer households can improve economic welfare and farmers' efforts to be able to maintain their lives. Socioeconomic conditions of farmers by diversifying the occupation of rubber farmers can be helped and even better, rubber farmers can meet the needs of life even though their main source of search is not reliable for all household needs.

KELAYAKAN REPLANTING KARET PADA KONDISI MUTU BOKAR DAN HARGA JUAL YANG RENDAH DI KABUPATEN MUARA ENIM SUMATERA SELATAN

The current rubber price fluctuation with downward trend, makes rubber farmers in South Sumatra experience a dilemma to carry out replanting. The majority of rubber plants that are more than 25 years old must be replanted because productivity decreases, if not done, farmers can lose their livelihoods because rubber farming is the main livelihood. This condition is the background of this study which aims to describe the rubber farming that is now being carried out by farmers in conditions approaching replanting and relatively low prices that have an impact on the quality of the Bokar, as well as analyzing the feasibility of rubber commodities from technical, management, marketing and financial aspects. The survey research was conducted in Muara Enim Regency as one of the rubber center areas in South Sumatra, primary data collection was conducted by interviewing 50 respondents who were randomly selected. Data processing is done by qualitative analysis methods, and followed by a feasibility analysis using the eligibility criteria of B / C ratio, R / C ratio, NPV, IRR, Payback ratio and BEP calculation, followed by sensitivity analysis. The analysis shows that the rubber plantation and Bokar processing undertaken by farmers has not followed the recommended rubber farming and Bokar processing, and although the current price conditions are still relatively low, it is still feasible to be undertaken as evidenced by all the values of the business feasibility criteria being in the feasible criteria, so replanting is still recommended for rubber plants that are no longer productive