KURUWITA — Natural rubber production across the Ratnapura District achieved enhanced monsoonal resilience following the expansion of a rain-guard installation program managed by the Rubber Development Department in Kuruwita and Eheliyagoda.

Rubber extension officers delivered practical field demonstrations on affixing flexible polythene rain-guard skirts above tree tapping cuts, preventing rainwater from diluting harvested raw latex during rainy mornings. Over 600 smallholder rubber farmers received subsidized rain-guard polythene rolls and waterproof sealant compounds.

Department officers confirmed that installing rain-guards enables farmers to gain up to 45 additional latex tapping days per year, significantly boosting seasonal household income.

Smallholder rubber growers expressed immense satisfaction, noting that rain-guard protection maintains steady latex yields even during heavy Sabaragamuwa monsoonal showers.