Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 13 (IANS): Falling rubber prices and the onset of avian flu in central Kerala could dent Christmas celebrations here.
The first signs that Christmas is around the corner begin to show when the temperature during the early mornings and late evenings dip, but even though the nippiness has arrived on time this year, the average Christian household, which depends on the rubber plantation they grow at home for dealing with Christmas expenses, is grossly unhappy as rubber prices have nosedived like never before.
If the rubber prices was hovering around Rs.134 a kilo last year, it has gone below Rs.100 this year.
"I have been living off my homestead rubber plantation for the past four decades and this is probably the toughest periods that my family is undergoing as this year, rains and free falling price of rubber has dealt us a severe blow. We are really worried as Christmas is round the corner and this time celebrations would be kept to the minimum," said John Punnoose, who grows rubber in his under two-acre property near Kottayam.
About 22 percent of the state's 32 million people are Christians.
In Kerala, the area under rubber cultivation is 6.59 lakh hectares with 11.50 lakh farmers.
Of this, 10.20 lakh farmers cultivate rubber in less than 1.50 acres of land. Rubber, thus constitutes to be the major income of many families in the central districts of the state, where rubber is the most popular cash crop.
Another crisis that could wreak havoc on Christmas celebrations is the avian flu outbreak that was confirmed in 13 local bodies of three central districts of the state last month.
Incidentally, these three districts supply duck meat and duck chicks to the rest of the state.
"This Christmas, one would be hugely lucky if you will be able to get duck meat as in these avian flu affected local bodies more than three lakh poultry birds, including a huge number of ducks, were culled. Christmas is under two weeks from now and things are not that bright as far as duck meat is considered," said Mathew Joseph, a Dubai returnee in Thiruvalla.
Despite the gloom, churches have put their best foot forward and carol services have started.