Natural Rubber is one of the most important agricultural products of Thailand and the world. Thailand became the world’s biggest producer and exporter in 1991. In 2016, Thailand produced 4.16 million tons of natural rubber. We exported 3.6 million tons, generating export revenue of US$ 5,000 million. Last year has been the most challenging time for rubber industry. Rubber price dropped sharply in February 2016 to 1.2 dollars per kilogram amid slowing global economy, strengthening dollar, volatile yen, price drop of crude oil and excessive speculation in futures markets. With the continued low price of rubber, farmers cut rubber trees and resorted to other more profitable crops.

However, amid the rubber price crisis, it is a good opportunity that all sectors concerned in the rubber industry consider sustainable solutions to the problem and approaches to the development of farmer’s livelihood. One of the solutions is to introduce the principle of “agroforestry” into rubber plantation for the rehabilitation of natural forests. In agroforestry, importance is given to the symbiosis of perennial crops, fruit trees and timber trees as major elements of plantation in combination with understory or shade tolerant plants which do not requires direct sunlight but rather grows under the shade and with the moisture of higher trees. In addition, the variety of plants and animals as agricultural production shall be focused.

As to rubber, it is widely known that single crop plantation of rubber can affect natural diversity and ecological system, resulting in the lack of natural immunity based on the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. Therefore, introduction of agroforestry into rubber plantation by changing the single crop practice to multiple cropping and mixed crop – livestock farming helps increasing revenue and improving the standard of living of smallholders. With the application of local wisdom to agriculture, this will enhance the efficiency of land utilization and improve natural immunity and the ecological system.

In conclusion, agroforestry is an approach to bring about sustainability and quality of life to rubber growers and to solve problems with social, economic and ecological effects. The Association wishes to promote proper planning and adaptation among rubber growers so that they can live their lives and work in a sustainable way. We will always support the smallholders and wish you all the best.