Women SHGs launch ‘padhaneer’ sales in Thoothukudi collectorate

Women SHGs in Thoothukudi sell homemade products like palm nectar at Collectorate, expanding sales and procurement plans.

Members of women self-help groups (SHG) launched sale of palm nectar (padhaneer) at Thoothukudi Collectorate on Thursday.

Every week, the women SHGs display sell homemade products at the Collectorate. They sell vegetable pickles, fish and prawn pickles, palm jaggery, decorative items made with palm leaves and other products.

With the onset of summer, they have started selling ‘padhaneer.’ Women from Alwarthirunagari Farmers Producer Group, under ‘Vaazhnthu Kaattuvom’ scheme, are engaged in the sales. They procure the palm nectar directly from farmers. A 500 ml bottle of palm nectar is sold for ₹50, and one-litre bottle for ₹100. It is bought by the collectorate employees and visitors.

The SHG women said they bought a pot (kalayam) of approximately two litres from the farmers for ₹150. On the first day, they procured 16 litres of palm nectar which was completely sold out. Encouraged by the response, they are planning to increase their procurement and sales in the coming days.