The planting season for the current year is over, and it is time to maintain the areas planted and also plan for the coming year. During the year 8,20,358 numbers of planting materials were supplied to 4677 beneficiaries in 106 clusters spread over five districts of Chumoukedima, Niuland, Peren, Wokha & Tseminyu from Rubber Board Regional Office, Dimapur. The winter is very slowly approaching and it is the time to take care of the plants already planted in the field. The following points may be noted:
- Weeding & mulching: Weeds impede the proper growth of the plants and so should be regularly removed. During the winter months, with the cessation of the rains, soil moisture is to be conserved. For this, the soil around the plant bases should be mulched using locally available materials like dry grass. This helps conserving soil moisture, maintain optimum soil temperature and also control weed growth. It also acts as an effective soil conservation measure and adds to the fertility of the soil
- Shading of the young plants: Young plants should be provided with artificial shade during the summer with gunny bags, plaited coconut leaves, thatch grass or any suitable material. This helps the plants to survive the summer and also protects the plants from sun scorch.
- White washing of the plants: From the second year onwards, white washing of the plant trunks that have become brown should be resorted to. This can be done using lime or china clay. White washing protects the plants from sun scorch till the development of canopy.
- Branch induction: All side branches developing upto a height of about 8ft should invariably be removed so that we get a good bole for tapping in future. If at all the branches do not develop naturally even after 9 or 10 ft height, branching can be induced by leaf cap or leaf folding method, which should be removed once the lateral shoots develop. In no case should the apical shoot be cut or maimed. It should be allowed to grow up naturally.
- Fire belts: With the cutting of jhum fields and subsequent burning on the anvil, it is very much necessary to control the rubber plants from wild fires. Fire belts are to be made all around the plantations along the boundaries, with a width of 5 to 7 meters.
All weeds, twigs and dry leaves should be removed from this strip and also from common pathways or roads. This should be done at regular intervals during the summer season. - Intercrops: Since rubber is a long gestation crop, the initial developmental years are very crucial. It would be advisable to plant some intercrops like upland paddy, vegetables, ginger, turmeric, banana, pineapple, mustard etc during the first three years so as to control the weeds and also so that the planter gets some income from the area planted with rubber.
- Filling up of vacancies: Timely filling up of the vacancies will and can surely ensure that the plants grow up in a uniform manner. This can be done by replacing the plants which have dried up and also the weak with suitable advanced planting materials. This should be one of the priorities during the initial year of planting.
For any clarifications, assistance or advice, we look forward to meet you in person and welcome you to our office on any working day between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm
Kuruvilla Cherian
Dy. Rubber Production
Commissioner
Rubber Board Regional
Office,
Dimapur