Overview of the Rubber plantations in Kanyakumari district with special reference to rubberwood industry.

Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu is a significant producer of natural rubber in India. However, rubber cultivation is slowly becoming less profitable for the growers. Scientific research greatly aids in understanding the threats and opportunities to the development of any industry. The present study reviews the research carried out on the rubber plantations of the district. The low research interest and the research lacuna in rubber plantations of the district are identified. There is no previous research on the properties, utilization, or potential applications of rubberwood in the district. Underutilization of rubberwood can be considered a primary reason for the gradual decline of interest in rubber plantations of the district. Despite its uniqueness and good structural properties, people still view rubberwood as a waste or by-product. It has been mainly used as firewood or in single-use applications which require low or no value addition. Theoretical quantitative assessment of the district's rubberwood was done due to the absence of data. The present value of rubberwood in the district is understood from levels of value addition. This study serves as a base for further research by providing an overview of the rubber plantations in the district with detailed insight into rubberwood utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]