A processing centre for tapioca remains elusive for tribal farmers on Pachamalai Hills, who spend hefty amounts for transporting their produce to far-off sago mills in Attur in Salem district.
Every year, 500 to 600 lorry-loads of tapioca produce is transported to the mills. Sold for about ₹ 20 a kg at retail points, it is purchased for only ₹ 500 to 600 per tonne by the brokers. After meeting the labour cost, the farmers were left with only ₹350 a tonne, K. Perumal, president of Tiruchi district unit of Tamil Nadu Malayalee Peravai, said.
“ Officials say no proposal has been made as yet for the sago mill on the hills. The demand remains unmet for about two decades now,” Mr. Perumal said.
The middlemen have formed a cartel and keep the farmers under financial subjucation. Farmers say they are unable to approach the industries directly since they have a nexus with the middlemen.
The cashew being produced on the hills is also of best quality. Establishing a marketing network will enable the farmers to make progress in raising horticulture crops as well. Pineapple, tamarind, mango, banana and coconut grown on the hills have a unique taste, Mr. Perumal said.
