A thesis submitter in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology,1987

Rubber estates currently are managed with an objective to maximize the production of latex; which seems not reasonable with rapidly increasing wood and timber prices. It was felt that the estates as well as the country may increase the benefits by recognizing the value of rubber wood resource and plan for its production. This study is an attempt to optimize the rubber plantation industry using a dynamic model in order to assess the potential of rubber wood. The first few sections of the study are devoted to an assessment of the value of rubber wood as against latex. Current plantation practices are analyzed, followed by a critique. Construction of the dynamic model and the estimation of technical information are given much consideration. Forecasting the market conditions using linear regression approximations is discussed in detail. Model output confirms the sub - optimality of current plantation practices, and suggests optimization strategies. Results reveal that the annual uprooting scale ha s to be raised. Net benefits secured through the increased production of rubber wood are analyzed in detail. The impacts on many important subsectors, especially on the energy sub - sector, are also evaluated. The study further analyses the benefits to the estates and to the economy as a whole separately through such a process of optimization. The final section of the study is an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the modeling approach and recommendations for improvements. Suggestions are also made for future studies in the field.