Intercropping under rubber: an option for the future

Abdul Hamid Sawal, . (2002) Intercropping under rubber: an option for the future. [Proceedings Paper]

The natural rubber industry in Malaysia has undergone a structural change. What was once an estate crop rubber cultivation is now predominantly a smallholder industry. The income generated by smallholders from their uneconomic-size holding when monocropped with rubber is still small compared to other crops. The practice of intercropping with various short-term cash crops during the first 2 years after replanting is treated as a temporary means to generate supplementary income to improve their livelihood while the opportunity exists. The shift from the conventional planting pattern of rubber to that of avenue and perimeter planting system has permitted crop integration on a permanent basis. Through this approach replanted rubber areas offer 50 to 80 available space for any form agriculture activities. In view of the increasing shortage of suitable new agriculture and forestry lands rubber areas could provide ample oppprtunities for producing food and fodder srops herbs timber woody and non-woody biomass. In addition a consolidated management approach to amalgamate scattered smallholdings into a large farming entity together with intergrated farming would foster the development of a sustainable and progressive rubber-based farming system for the future.

Full text available from:

Abstract

The natural rubber industry in Malaysia has undergone a structural change. What was once an estate crop rubber cultivation is now predominantly a smallholder industry. The income generated by smallholders from their uneconomic-size holding when monocropped with rubber is still small compared to other crops. The practice of intercropping with various short-term cash crops during the first 2 years after replanting is treated as a temporary means to generate supplementary income to improve their livelihood while the opportunity exists. The shift from the conventional planting pattern of rubber to that of avenue and perimeter planting system has permitted crop integration on a permanent basis. Through this approach replanted rubber areas offer 50 to 80 available space for any form agriculture activities. In view of the increasing shortage of suitable new agriculture and forestry lands rubber areas could provide ample oppprtunities for producing food and fodder srops herbs timber woody and non-woody biomass. In addition a consolidated management approach to amalgamate scattered smallholdings into a large farming entity together with intergrated farming would foster the development of a sustainable and progressive rubber-based farming system for the future.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	10 ref.
AGROVOC Term:	INTERCROPPING
AGROVOC Term:	RUBBER
AGROVOC Term:	RUBBER CROPS
AGROVOC Term:	RUBBER INDUSTRY
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:13
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/10976

Actions (login required)

View Item