A Goal Programming Model for Rubber Plantation Planning in Western Ghats of Karnataka

Rubber is one of the most essential commodities required in day to day life activities. India stands in fifth position of global rubber production by contributing 74000 tonnes every year. In India, Karnataka holds third position in rubber production mainly in Western Ghats of the state. Usually the rubber tree starts yielding the crop after six to seven years of planting. Growth of Rubber plants occurs in two phases mainly pre-mature and post-mature. Cultivation of rubber plants involves high initial costs and long term investments and returns are expected after 7 years from the day of planting. Initially it involves the expenses such as planting costs followed by maintenance costs. In this study, we are aiming a statistical planning for the cultivation of rubber plants using Goal Programming approach.