Rubber Authority of Thailand Advises Farmers to Pause Tapping During Heavy Rains
The Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) has issued guidance for rubber farmers to suspend tapping activities during current heavy rains and flooding to protect tree health.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) is advising rubber farmers to refrain from tapping trees during the ongoing period of heavy rainfall and flooding. The agency warns that attempting to compensate for lost production by over-tapping during this time could weaken the trees and lead to conditions such as dry bark disease. Instead, the RAOT suggests using this period to focus on garden maintenance and tree recovery. For residents and those involved in the agricultural sector, this guidance highlights the potential impact of severe weather on local rubber production and tree longevity. The RAOT further recommends that once floodwaters recede, farmers should wait approximately 30 days for the soil to dry before applying fertilizer. Additionally, farmers are urged to remain vigilant for signs of black stripe disease, bark rot, and white root disease, which can proliferate in wet conditions. While this advice is directed at agricultural management, it underscores the broader economic challenges posed by current weather patterns in Thailand. It remains to be confirmed how these production pauses will affect long-term rubber supply chains and local market prices in the coming months.
