Alakode: Despite rubber prices remaining relatively high, plantations across the high-range region here are standing bare, with tapping halted for months. Continuous heavy rains have triggered a fungal infection, stripping the rubber trees of their leaves and even if tapping resumes now, production is expected to drop by nearly one-third.

Two weeks ago, rubber fetched ₹200 per kg, but prices have since slipped below that mark. While the current rates are still better than in recent years, growers are unable to reap the benefits as production has come to a standstill.

Even plantations equipped with rain guards have been unable to continue tapping amid persistent downpours. While the tender leaves are expected to mature only by the end of December, the trees will start to naturally shed again soon after. As a result, the yields will remain nominal throughout this period.