Kerala rubber tappers may shift to evening work amid heat stress

Kerala's rubber industry is considering a significant operational change that could reshape working patterns for thousands of tappers across the state's plantations. The proposed move to evening shift schedules stems from mounting concerns about heat stress and occupational health risks faced by workers who traditionally begin their labour before dawn.

Rubber tapping, the process of extracting latex from rubber trees, has historically been conducted in early morning hours when latex flow is optimal. However, rising temperatures and climate-related pressures have prompted stakeholders to reassess this long-established practice. Health authorities have raised alarms about the physical toll of working during increasingly hot periods, even in the early hours.

The transition to evening shifts would represent a fundamental restructuring of plantation operations in Kerala, which remains one of India's largest rubber-producing regions. Such a change would require coordination among plantation owners, workers' unions, and government bodies to ensure viability and worker protection.

While the proposal offers potential benefits in terms of worker safety and comfort, industry experts acknowledge that the shift may present technical and economic challenges. The latex collection process depends on specific tree physiology and weather conditions, factors that may affect productivity under new scheduling arrangements. Stakeholders are expected to conduct feasibility studies before implementing any widespread operational changes across the state's rubber sector.