Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 21: Tapping toddy is the family occupation of Ediga community in the state. However, excepting coastal districts of Karnataka, tapping toddy is banned in other districts. Now the community is urging the government to allow them to tap toddy in other districts also.

If used properly, Toddy is a health drink. Toddy tapping, which is an age-old profession of the Ediga community, is prohibited now. During Veerendra Patil’s rule, this prohibition first came into existence.

Fierce protests were held in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and the government allowed toddy tapping once again. Now, the Ediga community in other districts has also got united and is demanding the government to allow them to continue their family occupation.

In coastal districts, the toddy industry is still continuing. However, the life of those who tap toddy is in dire straits. Though a toddy tapper climbs a tree three times a day, he gets only Rs 30 per litre as wages. However, the toddy is sold at Rs 150 to 180 in the shops.

Now the Edigas are urging the government to give them a minimum support price for toddy tapping similar to that of farmers and fishermen. The Ediga community numbers about 70 lac in Karnataka. There are more than 35 lac plants in districts like Raichur, Yadagiri, Chincholi, Sedam and Rayadurga which yield toddy. If prohibition is removed, the toddy industry will definitely flourish in these districts also, members of the community feel.

There are many Edigas in all political parties. If they unite and propose, the toddy tapping industry will revive for sure, they feel.