Farmers in Ramanathapuram harvest palm sprouts ahead of Pongal festival

Farmers in Regunathapuram, Ramanathapuram district, are harvesting palm sprouts ahead of the Pongal festival. This year, production has decreased due to unfavorable weather and insufficient rainfall, impacting farmers' income. Last year, farmers harvested over 3,000 sprouts, but this year the number has dropped to around 2,000. A bunch of 100 palm sprouts sells for ₹200 to ₹300, reflecting lower yields. Traders have transported 900 bags of tubers to various southern districts. The overall production has declined partly due to the cutting down of palm trees. Some suggest government support to help the struggling palm sprout sector.