15/08/2012 (Bernama) - Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) Terengganu is spending more than RM13.5 million to replant 6,436 hectares (ha) in the state for rubber and oil palm this year.

Risda state director Zakaria Mat Zin said of the total acreage, some 1,100ha has been set aside for rubber replanting involving 4,200 participants.

The allocation for development in the state this year totalled RM16.3 million and 83 per cent of the amount was earmarked for rubber and oil palm development programmes, he told Bernama here today.

The remaining 17 per cent or RM2.7 million is allocated for other development programmes including human capital, economic and basic facilities.

He said the assistance rate for replanting this year was RM9,230 per hectare.

According to records, he said the total area under rubber amounted to 49,000ha since its establishment.

On production, he said rubber production by smallholders in Terengganu was 1,400 kg per ha and this is quite encouraging.

"However, the amount was below Risda's target of achieving average yield of 1,550 kg per hectare in 2012," he said.

Zakaria said the income of rubber smallholders in the state was around RM1,800 per month at present, which is above the poverty level.

He said new applications for rubber replanting for next year is open at all times and those interested can submit their applications now.

"We don't have a specific deadline for the applications and the smallholders can apply at any time," he said.

He said Risda encouraged Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) to ensure the rubber trees produce high quality latex to increase the smallholders' incomes.

He said GAP encompasses planting and maintenance, fertilising, tapping and harvesting