Wayanad palm seeds being sold for use in tobacco products; collected from farmers at Rs 200-300 per bunch

SULTAN BATHERY: Wayanad palm seeds to other states to increase strength in drugs. It is being taken to states like Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra for use in tobacco products like Panparag and Hans.

Agencies in Mananthavadi collect palm seeds from vendors at Rs 45 per kg. Palm seeds are delivered to them by tribals. Palm seeds collected from farmers at Rs 200-300 per bunch are sold to traders at Rs 12-13 per kg. 200 - 250 kg of fruit can be obtained from one bunch. Pozhuthana is the most palm seed producing area in the district. Most fruit is obtained in May-August.

Traders were getting up to Rs. 90 per kg before the ban on Panparag, Hans etc. in Kerala. Small traders do not know the actual price and used to sell at the price quoted by the agents.

Processing as follows

Ripe bunches are cut from the palm and tied in a jute bag. After two or three days, the seed that falls from the bunch is placed in the field and threshed with a tractor. The agencies are provided with shelled nuts.

"The palm seeds collected by people including the tribals are bought at 12-13 rupees per kg and are shelled and given to the agencies. Even though there is not much profit, it continues because it is a regular income.'

-MS Baiju, Vakeri