Nowadays, latex harvesting is critical in rubber plantations. The tapping knife and tapping skills of the tapper is essential in attaining optimum volume of latex harvest and in maintaining economic/productive life of the rubber tree. The conventional rubber tapping device, as farmers have noted, is said to be heavy, the blade easily becomes dull, and some blades are disposable which is not sustainable to use. Thus, an R&D project was conducted to develop and field test a new tapping knife (PRRI Rubber Tapping Device) that is ergonomic and efficient to use by rubber rapping farmers. The new design features a replaceable blade, grooves for easy grip, and extendable handle suitable for upward tapping. Results of the farmers survey showed that the PRRI rubber tapping devices has a satisfactory ergonomic design. Estimated cost of the new device is about 30% less compared to procuring a conventional tapping knife. This is based on a 7-month knife replacement and 30 year rubber lifespan. The device has already been submitted to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for Utility Model (UM) application.
