Puffed rice producers feel the pinch in Erode

Puffed rice producers in the district continue to feel the pinch for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19, as they have received less than 40% orders for Saraswathi Puja.Most of the units are r

Puffed rice producers in the district continue to feel the pinch for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19, as they have received less than 40% orders for Saraswathi Puja.

Most of the units are run by family members and the puffed rice produced by them is sold across the district and to nearby districts. At present, there are about five producers in the city who run small units for their livelihood. “Before COVID-19, we used to receive orders for 1,000 bags, each weighing 100 kg. But now, the orders have reduced to less than 400 bags,” says A. Jeyakodi (60), who runs a unit at Sakthi Nagar.

Mr. Jeyakodi, his wife, son, and two labourers are involved in puffed rice production throughout the year. Power looms, textile units and commercial establishments are their major customers.