A quick study was conducted to examine the reasons for poor/non-performance of Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPSs) and device strategies to address the same. The study addresses ways to improve the performance of category B RPSs to become category A and the low performers in category A to become better performers. Existence of a group processing facility was the prime criterion which differentiated Category A and B RPSs in the study area. For enhanced resource use efficiency and to improve the income of farmers under Category B, the possibility of sharing non-functional GPCs among RPSs is proposed. The importance of group processing in RPSs to produce good quality sheets for realizing better farm gate price and the need to sensitize the farmers/RPSs on the same are highlighted. While majority of the RPSs limited their role as stockists and distributors of farm inputs, RPSs under category A having labour banks went a step ahead by organizing input application in member farmers’ fields. Only 20 per cent of RPSs studied had labour banks. Though SHGs existed in 67 per cent of the RPSs visited, only 20 per cent were functioning properly. The study also revealed a decline in the share of members actively engaged with the RPSs. Since success of RPSs to a large extent depends on active participation of members and commitment/leadership qualities of the executive committee members, the study suggests identification and encouragement of dedicated farmers and youth having leadership qualities and commitment to serve the community, to participate in the management of RPSs. To keep pace with the changed socioeconomic scenario, the study advocates diversification of activities of the RPSs to qualify as complete farm service providers.
Rubber Producers’ Society, Self Help Group, Labour Bank, Group Processing, Farm service provider, Sheet rubber
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