Once a trade that employed thousands, today there are almost no toddy tappers in the sunshine State. Toddy tapping (also known as sur or neera) is dying a slow death.
Sur, also called palm nectar, is a sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palms and used as a drink. It gives essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins for human health.
But today, for most people alcohol has become a healthier drink than toddy. Toddy is a natural alcoholic beverage with not more than 4.5% of alcohol. It is extracted from a coconut tree and is served either as a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage, or a sour beverage made from fermented sap.
The revival of toddy tapping will help the ailing agricultural sector. The government should introduce toddy as a health drink and make it acceptable among public, irrespective of age and gender.
The government should also setup 'toddy parlours' in various tourist destinations. It should strengthen the toddy sector and protect the interests of coconut farmers and workers who depend on it.
