Annamalai Assures Permission for Palm Sap Extraction if NDA Comes to Power in Tamil Nadu
A “Toddy Liberation” seminar was recently held in Kongalnagar, near Udumalpet in Tiruppur district, jointly organized by the Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement and the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Awareness Association. Several key figures, including Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai and Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement Coordinator Nallasamy, participated in the event and shared their views.
Annamalai’s Assurance on Palm Sap Extraction
During his address at the event, Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai emphasized that all by-products obtained from coconut and palm trees should be considered food products. He reiterated that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has a clear stance on permitting toddy extraction in Tamil Nadu and ensuring that farmers benefit from it.
Annamalai made a strong assurance to the people, stating, “If the people of Tamil Nadu give us a chance in 2026, we will definitely secure permission for toddy extraction.” He also urged farmers and agricultural workers to support the NDA, highlighting that the alliance is committed to their welfare.
Call for Farmers’ Support
Addressing the farmers directly, Annamalai explained, “If the government removes restrictions on toddy production, the livelihoods of palm and coconut farmers will significantly improve.” He stressed the need for policy changes to benefit the agricultural community, as many farmers in Tamil Nadu depend on toddy as a primary source of income.
Current Legal Restrictions and Government’s Stance
Under the current legal framework, there are several restrictions on toddy production, sale, and its use in alcoholic beverage manufacturing. The state government maintains a monopoly on liquor sales through TASMAC outlets, preventing farmers from selling toddy directly. This has led to severe economic difficulties for those dependent on palm farming. Annamalai urged that these restrictions be lifted to support the farmers and improve their earnings.
Farmers’ Expectations
Farmers participating in the event expressed their expectations, stating, “If toddy extraction is legalized, palm and coconut farming will flourish in Tamil Nadu. The government must remove existing legal barriers to protect farmers’ interests.”
A Clear Policy Vision for the Future
Annamalai reaffirmed, “If the NDA comes to power with the people’s support, we will strongly work towards farmers’ welfare. We will implement necessary changes in government policies to uplift the lives of farmers and prevent them from being sidelined.”
Conclusion
This seminar has once again brought the discussion on toddy extraction to the forefront in Tamil Nadu. Farmers and palm cultivators are now eagerly anticipating a favorable decision that will improve their economic conditions in the future.
களுக்கு அனுமதி, பனை மற்றும் தென்னை விவசாயிகளின் வாழ்க்கைத் தரம் உயரும்… அண்ணாமலைவின் உறுதி
