Speech of V.P.Nambi, Chairman, The Association of Planters of Kerala At the 67th Annual General Meeting on 30th September 2006

摘要

Current statistics show that the Plantation Industry in Kerala covers a landed area of 641483 hectares consisting of 478402 ha. of Rubber, 84571 ha. of Coffee, 37110 ha. of Tea and 41400 ha. Cardamom. During the year 2005-06, this industry produced 738400 tonnes of Natural Rubber at a gross value of Rs.4923 crores, 56825 tonnes of Coffee at a value of Rs.393 crores, 66935 tonnes of Tea at Rs.373 crores, and 9765 tonnes of Cardamom at Rs.221 crores. The above values of crops are calculated on wholesale prices/average auction price. This industry employs 4.64 lakhs of workers directly, and double the number indirectly, excluding those in the small holding sectors and homestead workers. These statistics symbolize the importance of this traditional industry in the State, which has existed for more than a century. But does this industry command the deserving respect and support from the different quarters, which should have supported it? I am sorry to mention that it does not.