With rubber production costs rising and rubber prices falling, the Daily Mirror looks at long-term options for major rubber producing countries in Asia.

One option could be to introduce dual purpose rubber planting; for both latex and rubber wood. “Rubber wood represents a relatively sustainable alternative to tropical woods extracted from natural forests,” says the article. It also a versatile timber for furniture making and woodworking, as well as being useful as a fuel wood. Some research has been conducted on varieties that are more productive in terms of rubber wood.

Increasing attention is also being given to what is termed ‘jungle rubber’ grown in diverse agroforestry system. Jungle rubber agroforestry is widely practiced in Indonesia (Sumatra and Kalimantan) and Southern Thailand. Similar approaches are being introduced in Vietnam and being considered for Myanmar.

Rubber grown under agroforestry systems with proper management practices can enrich organic matter and improve soil condition. “Of all the agroforestry cropping systems, rubber plantations approximate closest to the rainforest system, in terms of canopy, leaf litter and in nutrient cycling.”

Read the full story: Rubber for latex and wood: a long-term option

See also: Rubber bounces back in Indonesia