I have been selling Nongu for the past 20 years. I learnt the art of climbing palm trees from my father, as it is our family business. I come from Alagapuri village near Alagarkoil, where palm trees are found in abundance. These days, many trees have been felled and the business is on a downswing. Earlier, we used to sell nongu for a throw away price. One nongu piece that was sold for one rupee till recently is today five rupees. But I give five pieces for Rs.20. Every day, I make business for Rs.1000 to Rs.1500, as it is the summer season. Hundreds of people throng my roadside stall at Kurivikaran Salai. Nongu is a natural coolant and is a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. People are aware of the health benefits of nongu. Some vendors also buy nongu to be used in sherbet and cool drinks. Mine is a large family of brothers and sisters and my parents brought us up with whatever little they earned through selling nongu. I have taken up the same job and I struggle to educate my three children. I would never want my children to pursue this and they should become engineers and doctors. I wish to god, that we get more rains so that there’s prosperity in agriculture.
(As told to A. Shrikumar)
(A fortnightly column on men and women who make Madurai what it is)
