Farmers’ associations are pushing for the lifting of the chicken ban in Tamil Nadu

Since palmyra trees help anchor groundwater, they are planted along ponds and farmland. | Photo credit: M. MOORTHY

A farmers’ association has called for lifting the ban on toddler draft in Tamil Nadu, saying it is a healthy drink. “We want Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and his government to lift the ban, which would create jobs and help many families. The product can also be exported,” said C. Nallasamy, coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement.

Various farmers’ associations have pressed for this requirement to bring some relief to the thousands of small taprooms whose livelihoods depend on it. “Mostly places like Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari have palmyra trees. As they help anchor ground water, they are planted along ponds and agricultural areas. No other state has banned toddy,” he said. The movement regularly petitions governments and chief ministers, but to no avail. “I remember an incident where the former chief minister promised to lift the ban and invited us to a conference. But in the end there was no announcement and we came back dejected. We have been at it for more than 35 years and we hope there will be some relief,” said Mr. Nallasamy.

E. Devarajulu, Chennai zone coordinator of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Paadhugappu Sangam, said that while the government was running Tasmac shops and procuring Indian-made foreign liquor for sale in these outlets, it could also run shops selling toddy. He will have some income from it. “Toddy is a natural drink, not high in alcohol and full of vitamins. The judges questioned whether the state government planned to lift the ban. Even recently, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court sought to know whether a framework could be devised for tapping, manufacturing and selling toddy in the state.”

Published – 31 Aug 2026 0:38 IST