An improved knife for tapping latex introduced
The Rubber Research Institute has introduced a technically improved tapping knife for the rubber industry. Its aim is to improve the latex harvest without damaging the rubber trees.
The improvised knife can be used even by the novices to tap latex without damaging trees. It also helps extract the maximum quantity of latex from the tree says the Rubber Research Institute.
The rubber industry annually loses a huge profit due to the failure in tapping latex without damaging trees. Damaging rubber trees cause a reduction in the lifespan of the trees.
The improved tapping knife can control the cutting space of the bark of the trees. The Rubber Research Institute said it will also protect the thickness of the bark protecting the cambium layer of the tree without damage.
The Rubber Research Institute has taken measures to distribute the improvised knife through Sri Lanka Rubber Development Department.