The Rubber Board has introduced a WhatsApp facility for rubber growers to seek scientific advice in identifying pests and diseases in their holdings. The facility was inaugurated by the Rubber Board Chairman A. Ajith Kumar I.A.S. in a function at Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII).
RRII Joint Director Sabu P. Idicula replied to the first message received from V.N. Krishna Pillai, President,Kurumkanni RPS, Kanjirappally.RRII Director Dr. James Jacob, Joint Rubber Production Commissioner V. Mohanan, andDeputy Rubber Production Commissioner P.K .Joseph spoke on the occasion.
The service is operated by RRII to help farmers to diagnose pests and diseases. In cases when a grower finds it difficult to diagnose a problem, images of the affected portion of the plant taken on mobile phone may be sent to the designated WhatsApp number. Experts from the Pathology Division of RRII will identify the problem and appropriate recommendations will be given back to the grower via WhatsApp itself.
The rubber grower will also be able to seek the service of Rubber Clinic, presently being operated by RRII for diagnosing the occurrence of pests and diseases. It is a rapid diagnosis and identification system of pests and diseases of rubber. Accurate and timely diagnosis of diseases or pests and timely adoption of suitable control measures are essential for a cash crop like rubber, to maintain and improve the productivity of the trees and to increase the net income of the farmers.
RRII has identified and developed suitable control/management strategies for all pests and diseases in rubber. But in many cases, growers find it difficult to diagnose the problem in time. The Rubber Clinic is framed to help the farmers in solving such problems in the field.