Steps would be taken to revive the palmyra industry which had provided jobs to a large number of people in the North-East region.!!!

Revival of palmyrah industry will enhance local economy

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The palmyrah industry which was neglected due to the conflict is re-emerging with new interest shown by entrepreneurs in the Eastern Province to revive the once lucrative business.

Project Director, North-East Coastal Community Development Project (NECCDEP), S.M. Croos said steps would be taken to revive the palmyra industry which had provided jobs to a large number of people in the North-East region.

The palmyra tree found abundantly in the North and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka offers a range of benefits to people.

Palmyrah toffee known as panattu, clay, seeds for nursery plants, toddy, odiyal, handicraft produced from leaves and broom sticks from coir are products of the giant tree.

The Palmyrah Production Centre (PPC) in Varothayanagar in the Trincomalee district trains people and sells products to the Palmyrah Production Board.

The PPC runs by the Palmyrah Production Board was set up last year under the NECCDEP. Over 200 families benefit from the palmyrah industry in Uppuweli.Anbalagam Selvaranjithan, a teacher at the PPC said there is a demand for palmyrah products and the Centre is taking steps to improve the quality of goods.

"Four students are currently undergoing training on palmyrah sweetmeats and handicraft products and we hope to expand the market", she said.Sweet toddy, a preferred drink among people is tapped during January to June. Around 10 tappers supply toddy to the Centre and they earn Rs. 500 a day.

Auditor of the Palmyrah Production Society, Selvanandan Kalaisekwam said a trainee could earn over Rs. 5000 a month and increase the earning capacity by producing quality products.

The PPC collects around 125 litres of sweet toddy a day. According to a survey there are around 300,000 palmyrah trees in the Trincomalee district.

SUNDAYOBSERVER.LK