More than 200 farmers affiliated with the Narayanasamy Naidu Farmers Association staged a protest in Pollachi and submitted a petition demanding permission for toddy tapping.
Pollachi: Demanding permission for toddy tapping, more than 200 farmers belonging to the Narayanasamy Naidu Farmers Association marched in a rally and staged a protest in front of the DSP office in Pollachi on Tuesday.
Later, the association’s State President A.S. Babu and other office-bearers met DSP Naveen and submitted a petition seeking permission for toddy and neera extraction, while also complaining about alleged police harassment of farmers, searches conducted in farmlands, and confiscation of mobile phones.
Speaking to reporters, A.S. Babu said that during the 2026 elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had assured farmers that all their issues would be addressed and that permission for toddy tapping would be granted once the party came to power.
“Trusting that promise, farmers voted for the party. However, no action has been taken so far,” he said.
He further stated that toddy tapping is banned only in Tamil Nadu, while states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry permit it.
“Allowing TASMAC liquor shops to function while banning traditional toddy tapping is unacceptable,” he added.
While welcoming the government’s measures to close liquor outlets and curb narcotics, the farmers insisted that toddy should not be equated with narcotic substances. They also alleged that police officials were acting harshly against farmers involved in toddy tapping.
The association further claimed that police personnel were entering farms and confiscating mobile phones and other belongings of farmers, which they termed unacceptable. A petition regarding these issues has been submitted to senior police officials, they said.
The farmers also warned that they would be forced to launch the next phase of protests if their demands were not addressed. Before that, they plan to meet TVK ministers and explain the grievances of farmers, besides seeking an audience with the Chief Minister.
Further action would depend on the outcome of those meetings, they added.
Later, the association’s State President A.S. Babu and other office-bearers met DSP Naveen and submitted a petition seeking permission for toddy and neera extraction, while also complaining about alleged police harassment of farmers, searches conducted in farmlands, and confiscation of mobile phones.
Speaking to reporters, A.S. Babu said that during the 2026 elections, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had assured farmers that all their issues would be addressed and that permission for toddy tapping would be granted once the party came to power.
“Trusting that promise, farmers voted for the party. However, no action has been taken so far,” he said.
He further stated that toddy tapping is banned only in Tamil Nadu, while states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry permit it.
“Allowing TASMAC liquor shops to function while banning traditional toddy tapping is unacceptable,” he added.
While welcoming the government’s measures to close liquor outlets and curb narcotics, the farmers insisted that toddy should not be equated with narcotic substances. They also alleged that police officials were acting harshly against farmers involved in toddy tapping.
The association further claimed that police personnel were entering farms and confiscating mobile phones and other belongings of farmers, which they termed unacceptable. A petition regarding these issues has been submitted to senior police officials, they said.
The farmers also warned that they would be forced to launch the next phase of protests if their demands were not addressed. Before that, they plan to meet TVK ministers and explain the grievances of farmers, besides seeking an audience with the Chief Minister.
Further action would depend on the outcome of those meetings, they added.