The profession of toddy tapping is on the verge of extinction in the Machilipatnam coast, despite having a handful of security measures and the abolition of tree tax in 2018.
The task of collecting toddy by climbing the tree is one of the riskiest livelihood options that exist in rural Andhra Pradesh. In Eastern Krishna, the majority of the poor families belonging to the Gowda caste are in the profession, while hundreds have given it up over the years. The community decides the victory in the Machilipatnam Assembly and Lok Sabha segments.
“In 2018, the State government abolished the tax of ₹50 to ₹70 per palm tree, allowing the tapper to collect the toddy free, apart from granting ₹2 lakh with 50% subsidy to purchase the implements,” Excise Superintendent, Machilipatnam, M. Manohar told The Hindu.
According to statistics of the Prohibition and Excise Department, 5,776 tappers remain in the profession officially. Nearly 70% of them are arguably in the age group of 25 to 40.
The State government grants ₹5 lakh to the next of those who die while climbing the tree and the compensation is based on the extent of deformity reported in the accident.
“There are barely half a dozen tappers are in the profession, while 20 tappers have quit in recent years due to age. A risk is involved in our profession,” a tapper in Orlagonditippa, a coastal village in Kruthivennu mandal, said.
Mr. Manohar said the government was committed to registering every tapper to ensure all means of security and compensation. In summer, an active tapper collects toddy, which is in great demand in the rural areas, from at least a dozen trees . The tappers have enjoyed various benefits from the government in recent years.