Development of Palmyra and Coconut Resources in Tamil Eelam
Development of Palmyra and Coconut Resources in Tamil Eelam
With the objective of developing the principal natural resources of Tamil Eelam—the palmyra and coconut—the Tigers established this organization on the 29th day of the month of Panguni in 1991.
The Palmyra and Coconut Resource Development Union was formed through the collaboration of coconut and palmyra products production and marketing cooperative societies, their federations, the Palmyra Development Board, the Department of Cooperatives (Palmyra Products), export-oriented rural production companies, palmyra and coconut resource enthusiasts, and members of the Tigers People’s Front.
The Union’s primary goals are to develop palmyra and coconut resources through the coordinated activities of these institutions, improve the livelihood, employment, and economic conditions of professionals associated with these industries, and contribute to the growth of the national economic structure of Tamil Eelam.
As the Union’s first initiative, prices were fixed for sweet toddy (pathaneer) and toddy products. Taking into consideration the economic advancement of rural palmyra workers, who had long received only low incomes:
- The purchase price of one bottle of toddy was fixed at 6.00.
- To encourage workers who had previously produced only toddy to produce sweet toddy, the purchase price of one bottle of sweet toddy was fixed at 7.00.
The increase in the price of sweet toddy raised the production costs of palmyra jaggery.
To protect the interests of the public, it was decided to control the selling price of palmyra jaggery and compensate producers for losses through subsidies. As part of this scheme, a tax of 50 cents per bottle of toddy was collected from consumers, and from these funds a subsidy of Rs. 50.00 per kilogram of palmyra jaggery produced was provided.
At present, planned economic restrictions have caused a shortage of sugar in our region. To ensure that this situation does not continue, and to meet at least part of the people’s sugar requirements, every palmyra worker has been requested to produce at least 40 percent sweet toddy. Seminars were conducted among workers for this purpose. Efforts to establish palmyra sugar factories have also been undertaken, along with the provision of relevant technical advice.
The production of sweet toddy brought changes to social structures. As people began to understand the importance of palmyra sugar, they also started to recognize the importance of palmyra workers. To encourage production, the Union honored workers who produced the greatest quantities of sweet toddy with gold, silver, and bronze medals.
To achieve self-sufficiency in the sugar requirements of the Jaffna Peninsula, it is estimated that 30,000 workers must engage in sweet toddy production. The number of palmyra workers, which stood at 12,000 in 1972, had declined to 6,000 by 1991.
The Union recognizes that palmyra work, which has traditionally been carried out only by a particular section of society, should become a national industry practiced by all. It also recognizes the need to introduce modern technologies. On this basis, the Union has been conducting a self-employment training program for palmyra workers. This training demonstrates opportunities for employment and higher incomes for many unemployed youth in the region.
To raise awareness among the public, scholars, and all sectors of society regarding palmyra-based products and their importance, the Jaffna Science Association and the Palmyra and Coconut Resource Development Union jointly organized a Palmyra Resource Research Seminar and Exhibition at the University of Jaffna on 29–30 June 1991. Scholars from various disciplines, palmyra enthusiasts, members of the public, and well-wishers attended the event, recognized the value of the palmyra resource, and began working together with the Union. The event was significant because many people directly observed the uses of the palmyra tree and its products.
Women’s groups were formed within the coconut and palmyra production and marketing cooperative societies. Through handicraft training related to palmyra products, members were introduced to opportunities for self-employment and income generation. Large-scale production of palmyra-based foods was undertaken, and new products such as “Karpaga Bread”, made using palmyra flour, were introduced.
Rural production groups, school students, and public institutions have engaged in extensive planting of palmyra seeds. The implementation of palmyra and coconut resource production through the cooperative societies has strengthened the position of the Palmyra and Coconut Resource Development Union.
For the first time, the Union planted 8,000 palmyra seedlings throughout the peninsula through various organizations. Cooperative societies that had never previously owned palmyra plantations are now receiving full support from the Union to establish their own plantations. Through this initiative, palmyra workers are expected to gain significant benefits in the future.
Until now, palmyra workers have faced oppression and loss of income due to restrictive regulations governing toddy and sweet toddy production. The Union has initiated programs aimed at completely eliminating such oppression and income losses.
With the assistance of technical experts, the Union is also working on the development of:
- A machine for climbing palmyra trees.
- Machinery related to palmyra sugar factories.
Although progress has been made in the production of palmyra jaggery and palmyra sugar, production targets have not yet been achieved. Based on the experiences of 1991, the main reasons for this shortfall have been identified as follows:
- a)Not all palmyra workers participated in sweet toddy production.
- b)The production of low-quality sweet toddy and instances of adulteration.
- c)Shortages of equipment, containers, chemicals, fuel, and firewood.
- d)Insufficient technical knowledge among production personnel.
- e)Failure to market products in a planned manner and at the proper time.
The Union maintains that if these shortcomings are addressed during the current year and production programs are implemented with the full cooperation of workers, the organization will be able to achieve its maximum potential.
Palmyra and coconut resources are pillars of the national economy of Tamil Eelam. If everyone cooperates in their development and utilization, it will become easier to overcome the economic restrictions we face. These resources can help meet our daily food requirements while also strengthening our economy.
— Kaapparan – Tamil Eelam
— Erimalai Magazine, July 1992
Compiled by: Tamilarasan Abdul Kadhar
Translation by: Hari
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