Ethephon is the only agro-chemical used as the yield stimulant in commercial rubber plantations when practicing low intensity harvesting systems. However, the current reliance on imported ethephon formulations presents challenges for the industry in terms of cost, compatibility with local conditions, and availability. Therefore, Department of Biochemistry & Physiology has taken steps to develop this product with suitable raw material available in the local market.

 

Sustainability of the product has been tested in experimental scale initially and finally in commercial scale as a PPP over 5 years and performance showed comparable results to the imported formulations. New formulation has not been show any adverse effects on latex yield, latex physiology, flow parameters, or raw rubber properties. Shelf life studies indicated that the formulations remained stable for 30 months, with no deviations in physical, chemical, or microbiological characteristics. Currently 1kg of imported formulations costs around Rs. 1,720.00 in the local market. Cost analysis revealed that the total cost of producing 1kg of formulation developed by the RRISL is Rs. 780.00 including market prices of ingredients, labour, electricity, packaging, and machinery.