Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Appalam industry seeks government support

CHENNAI: A south Indian meal is never complete without an appalam or two. It is only too true that people feasting on appalams seldom tend to spare a thought for those who toil in the sun and rain to make them. Appalam makers consider a sunny and windless day most suitable for making the product, but when it comes to sales its is during the rains that they do a roaring business.

According to representatives of the sector, composed largely of cottage units, sale of their stocks booms during the ‘Sabarimala season’, between September and December. But as the pilgrimage is taken out during the northeast monsoon it is not the best time to make appalams in Chennai.

According to P.M. Asokan, manufacturer of an unbranded variety of appalams, the sector offers several jobs and scope for export of the product. But, there are issues that the sector would like the Government to address, for improved performance. “Land is in short supply and there are plenty of jobs for the educated in the villages. We would like the Government to help us,” said P.R. Chandran, president, Tamil Nadu Appala Urpathiyalargal Nala Sangam.

“We don’t need high voltage electricity, have no accident record, and are eco-friendly. The Government spends lots of money and provides land for big industries. It could support and motivate us too.” After paying the rent and salaries the owners are just able to make ends meet, he added.

“Only 25 per cent of the manufacturers make a profit,” said treasurer of the sangam P.K. Sreenivasan.

The appalam-making units are concentrated in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli districts. “Kallidaikuruchi is the birthplace of the rice appalam. Tamil Nadu has over 100 branded appalam makers and over 1,000 unbranded appalam makers,” Mr. Chandran said. This unorganised sector employs one lakh people. Most of the unbranded appalams are exported from Kancheepuram.

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