Minister for Forests and Khadi R.S. Rajakannappan lays foundation stone for new palm products trade centre at Narippaiyur in Ramanathapuram district on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Minister for Forests and Khadi R.S. Rajakannappan, laid the foundation stone for a new palm products trade centre at Narippaiyur near Sayalgudi here on Monday.
The facility to be built at an estimated cost of ā¹1.62 crore under the Khadi and Village Industries Board is expected to generate employment for over 3,000 individuals, with a specific focus on womenās self-help groups.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rajakannappan emphasised the ecological and economic significance of the palm tree, often referred to as the Karpaka Tharu (the celestial tree that grants all wishes).
āFrom its roots to its leaves, every part of the palm tree serves a purposeāwhether it is Neera (pathaneer), palm jaggery, candy, or fibre,ā he stated.
He further noted that the new centre fulfilled a key electoral promise aimed at revitalising the lives of traditional palm climbers and artisans.
He noted that the facility was designed to serve as a centralised hub for ensuring farmers received fair profits by eliminating exploitative middlemen, transforming raw palm products into high-demand goods for international export.
āPlans are also underway to replace the dilapidated 1999-era Neera Mansion in Sayalgudi with a modern structure,ā he added.
Addressing the press following the event, Mr. Rajakannappan informed that revenue has surged from ā¹42 crore in previous years to ā¹126 crore under the current administration.
He further noted that the department managed a State-wide assets valued at approximately ā¹3,400 crore.
He assured that the government would implement the various measures in its next term
An enhanced relief fund of ā¹10 lakh in the event of workplace accidents or fatalities, financial assistance during the off-season, specialised cooperative loans to provide palm workers with the same financial standing as traditional farmers, were some of the measures, he listed out.
District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, and others officials were present during the event.
Published ā February 02, 2026 08:56 pm IST
