Tapping Premium, Quality

Inspections And Sanction systems

Introduction

The provision of tapping premium and sanction systems in plantations are

designed to motivate workers to perform well, maintain higher level of
performance and sustain productivity of the crop. The system rewards workers
with additional income for good performance while correcting those who violate
tapping rules.

Good performance includes compliance with established tapping standards and

meeting and exceeding production goals as set by the plantation management.

Sanctions or penalties are employed to discourage workers from committing

tapping offenses which may seriously harm or damage the crop. The tapping
quality inspection method provided in this manual allows ample time and
opportunity for tappers to improve and correct their tapping performance and
work behavior.

1. General Guidelines

A tapper’s production premium refers to premiums paid to tappers who

exceed the production targets set for their tasks.

Total production is determined by multiplying the tapper’s total daily

collection of latex (in kilograms) by the DRC established daily from the field
sample taken on individual blocks, or group samples taken from blocks of
the same rubber clones and age of planting, plus the total kilograms of cup
lump and tree lace collected multiplied by the established DRC figures.

This is then compared to the target crop for the block. Premium is paid for
excess crop achieved by the tapper. No deduction is made if the tapper
does not meet the target.

Corresponding deductions however, should be imposed against production

premiums for infractions committed against tapping quality standards.

2. Monthly Premium Payments to Tappers and Capatazes

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2.1 Gross Production of Tapper Latex

The latex production premium for the tapper will be based on the total
kilos of dry rubber brought in by the tapper. The DRC for each latex
harvest should be accurately calculated in the laboratory or field
samples dried at the processing plant each day. This DRC will be
used to determine the number of kilos of dry rubber brought in by
each tapper.

2.2 Gross Production of Tapper Cup Lump and Tree Lace

The cup lump and tree lace premium should be based on the total
kilos of dry rubber brought in by the tapper. A DRC of 40 - 50 % of
wet field weight should be used to determine the dry rubber content of
cup lump/tree lace. A separate premium payment for cup lumps and
tree laces shall be established by the cooperative based on yield
estimates and percentage field recovery of lower grades. This is to
ensure that latex is not deliberately left in the field to coagulate for
next day's collection.

2.3 Setting Standards for Latex Production

Latex production standards per block should be established through

annual and monthly crop projections. This is done through the
Production Manager with the approval of the Plantation Manager. The
procedure will include assessment of the crops' current and past yield
performances, field conditions, stimulation practices and other factors
that may influence crop yield. It should also take into consideration the
yield projections stipulated under the CAP-PBD Program for newly
established plantations. Please refer to Table 4 in page 45.

Production standards (expressed in yield per hectare and yield per

tapper) is used as a benchmark on which premium and incentive
system for tappers are based. The computation should cover the
standard monthly target per block or clone group established by
management under its annual production plan to ensure that the
premiums paid to tappers are not subsidized, and instead taken from
the excess production produced for the period.

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2.4 Monthly Premium Payment to Capatazes

Premiums paid to capatazes are done to motivate them to in turn

properly supervised and motivate tappers. The cooperative can pay a
premium to the Capatazes that is based on the performance of
tappers under his jurisdiction.

Tapping Capataz may, for instance, receive 1.5 times the average
premium paid each month to all the tappers under him.

3. Tapping Quality Inspections and Penalties

A component in the tapping operation is the establishment and

enforcement of tapping quality inspections. This measure will ensure that
rubber trees are properly tapped following the approved tapping systems
employed.

The following processes and procedures should be used as guideposts in

the conduct of tapping quality inspections:

a. Once a month the Field Assistant / Inspector wills conduct inspection

based on 20 trees sample per task, to check the quality of tapping and
determine the premium points each tapper has earned for the period
(See Annex Form No 4).

b. The criteria for inspection will include the following;

 Depth of Tapping
 Wounds
 Bark consumption
 Cleanliness, which includes;
- Channels
- Cups
- Spouts
- Utensils ( pails, knives )
- Off grades
- Tapping cuts

c. A tapper who fails to observe the prescribed minimum standards for

rubber exploitation should be liable to sanctions depending on the
gravity of the offense committed.

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Criteria for Inspection:

Shallow tapping meaning tapping below the prescribed depth of 1 mm

from cambium. A tapper may be given written warning to improve
tapping cut to the required depth. When the same offense is repeatedly
committed after two successive inspections and warnings, the tapper
may be suspended from work or be sent back to tapping school for re-
training.

Wounds are classified into 3 categories. Penalties in the form of

deductions based on the degree of wounding may be enforced as
follows:

A wound - wound measuring about ¼ inch in diameter in the

tapping panel. A tapper exceeding 10 wounds per
tree/month may be penalized with a pre-established
deduction per tree from his earned premium.

B wound - wound measuring about ½ inch in diameter. A tapper

inflicting this kind of wound to the trees will be penalized
with a higher deduction per wound from his earned
premium.

C wound - wound measuring about ¾ - 1 inch in diameter. A tapper

having this kind of tree wounds will not be entitled to
production premium. Correspondingly, a written warning
may be given for possible transfer or re-training should
there be no improvement of performance in the
succeeding inspections.

Bark Consumption - refers to the amount of bark consumed every

month while tapping on a prescribed tapping system. Tappers must see
to it that they only consume bark within the allowed range of
consumption basing on the tapping systems employed. Any excess to
the contrary would be meted with following sanctions:

 Excess of 1/8 inch - a percentage equivalent to 25% of the tapper’s

earned premium will be forfeited if about 50 % of the trees inspected
were found to be in excess of 1/8 inch of bark consumed per tree
per month.

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 Excess of 3/16 inch - a percentage equivalent to 50% of the tapper’s

earned premium will be forfeited if at least 50% of the trees
inspected were measured to have exceeded bark consumption by
3/16 inch per tree per month.

 Excess of 5/16 inch - One hundred percent (100%) of the tapper’s

earned premium shall be forfeited if about 50% of the trees
inspected were found to have exceeded bark consumption by 5/16
inch per tree per month.

Aside from forfeiture, a written warning should be given to erring

tappers for their possible transfer, re-training or even dismissal from
work may be imposed should they fail to improve on their tapping skills.
It is important that a strict policy in this regard is instituted and enforced
to prevent crop loss or damage.

Other Miscellaneous Infractions

Tappers who failed to maintain cleanliness of tapping channels, latex

cups, spouts, tapping utensils, off grades and tapping cuts during
inspections shall be meted with appropriate deduction per tree to be
taken from their earned premium.

A tapper who does not complete tapping his task or does not collect all
of his production for the day may receive a deduction in his daily wage.

The amount deducted will be proportionate to the number of trees left

untapped or the amount of production left uncollected. His tapping
premium for the month will likewise be forfeited.

Illustration of Premium Computation

Kg DRC latex X Price/kg DRC latex for = P __________

excess of target set for the month

ADD: Kg DRC lump/lace X Price/kg DRC lump/ = P __________

lace for excess of target set for the month

LESS: Deductions from Inspection --------- P ___________

Premium to be paid = P
___________
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4. Premium Payment for Other Works Performed

Tappers performing additional task aside from their regular assignment

should be given a premium to ensure that desired activities are
accomplished within the prescribed period and standards. For example,
opening of new trees would require tapping skills and cannot be delegated
to field workers who do not know how to tap to avoid crop damage. Hence,
tappers should be paid for the extra work done. The cleaning of tapping
cups/utensils by tappers is also encouraged since they know what part of
the tasks would require immediate cleaning.

4.1 Cup Cleaning.

A tapper must clean all cups in his tasks as required. Normally each
cup will be cleaned at least every 3 months or 4 times per year.

The Production Department should establish appropriate rates for cup

cleaning.

4.2 Pre-opening.

Prior to moving into new tasks, tappers must first open the new
tapping panels. This shall be done on three successive days before
regular tapping commences. The Production Department should
establish commensurate rates for this activity.

4.3 Opening virgin bark.

For the first three months of new opening on virgin bark, tappers
concerned may not be able to qualify for a monthly premium because
of adjustment and lower starting yields. However, after this period, the
tapper should be paid in accordance with the quality points earned
after inspection.

5. Additional Incentive Schemes

5.1 Additional Incentives equivalent to a tapper's day basic pay may be

given to individuals who have shown perfect work attendance every
month.

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5.2 The cooperative may also provide other forms of incentives to

encourage tappers to produce more. For example, tappers who
received monthly net production premium of not less than P 100.00
may be given another form of reward through monthly raffle that will
give him a chance to win cash prizes.

The qualifying production premium and amount of cash prizes may be

determined by the cooperative.

6.0 Measurement of Dry Rubber Content (DRC)

The dry rubber content (DRC) of field latex varies but normally falls in the
range of 20-40 percent. It is affected by season, local weather, soil
condition, clones, stimulation, tapping systems and so forth. It is generally
used as basis for payment of latex and incentive payment to tappers. The
true DRC of field latex must be determined to ensure fair payment.

Many methods for the determination of DRC of field latex have been
developed and the following are some of the common methods used:

6.1 Metrolac Method

The use of metrolac method is probably the most rapid method,

though accuracy is limited over a wide range of conditions, which
include bio-deterioration, adulteration, dilution, aeration, and
temperature. This method is most popular for field use.
Procedure:

Mix one part of well-stirred field latex with two parts of clean water.
Pour the diluted latex into a metrolac cylinder until it overflows. Place
the metrolac in the cylinder. Remove any froth on the surface of the
latex. Allow the metrolac to rest without touching the side of the
cylinder. Take the reading on the metrolac stem at the meniscus of the
latex. Verify the reading by pushing the metrolac down slightly and
note the reading again.

The DRC of the latex is calculated by multiplying (x) the reading

obtained by three (3). The result is again multiplied by the volume of
latex. An example of the calculation is provided below:

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Volume of field latex = 100 liters

Dilution (1:2 ) = 3 parts
Metrolac reading = 105
Weight of DRC = 105 x 3 x 100
= 31.5 kgs

6.2 Chee Method

This is another popular method used at latex collecting centers and

small scale processing factories. Although the standard error is
reported to be 0.3%, greater error can arise if samples are drawn
rapidly with the dipper.

Procedure:

Take away 50 grams of the latex using a special dipper as sample and
place it in a clean DRC dish. Coagulate the latex with 25 grams of 2%
formic acid. When a clear serum is formed, remove the coagulum and
wash it carefully. Press the coagulum into a thin biscuit. Wash the
biscuit again and dry it in the oven at 70 degrees centigrade for 16
hours. Cool the biscuit and weight it in grams using a triple-beam
balance OHAUS 750S or a four-beam OHAUS 311. The weight of the
dry biscuit multiplied (x) by two (2) will give the percentage DRC of the
latex.

6.3 Standard Laboratory Method

This is the most accurate method of determining DRC of latex, having

a total error of 0.048. It requires high capital investment and highly
skilled operators.

Procedure:

Take about 45 ml of sample field latex in a conical flask and weight out
into a DRC dish by difference accurately. Add very slowly about 150
ml 0.5% acetic acid while rotating the dish. Leave the latex
undisturbed on the steam bath until a coagulum is formed with a clear
serum. Remove the coagulum carefully from the dish and press it to 2
mm thickness.

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Wash the coagulum in clear water and dry it in the oven at 70 degrees
Celsius for 24 hours. Cool the coagulum in a desiccator for a few
minutes and weigh using an analytical balance. The weight of the dry
coagulum divided by the weight of the latex sample and multiplied by
100 will give the percentage DRC of the latex sample.

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