Fri May 16 13:41:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Tapioca farmers in Tiruchi district, particularly in Thuraiyur taluk, are facing severe financial hardship due to a sharp decline in tapioca prices. The price per 75-kg bag has plummeted from ₹850 last year to ₹450 this year. Farmers are struggling with rising input costs, labour expenses, and pest resistance, while facing what they describe as exploitative pricing practices by sago factory owners. They are demanding government intervention through a minimum support price (MSP) mechanism and improved access to loans. Sago factory owners acknowledge the current oversupply and its impact on both farmers and processors, predicting lower output next season.

**News Article:**

**Tapioca Prices Plunge in Tiruchi, Farmers Demand Government Intervention**

**Tiruchi, May 16, 2025** – Tapioca farmers in Tiruchi district, particularly in the Thuraiyur taluk, are facing severe financial distress as tapioca prices have plummeted to record lows. Farmers are reporting a drastic fall from ₹850 per 75-kg bag last year to just ₹450 this year.

“This is the lowest we’ve seen in recent years,” said R. Jegannathan, a farmer from Thalugai village. Farmers cite rising production costs, including labour, pesticides, and pest resistance, as contributing to their plight. Joseph A.G., another farmer from Mangapatti village, estimates expenses at ₹40,000 per acre, while also highlighting that the need to employ as many as 20 workers per harvest drive up the costs, with each worker earning ₹600 per day.

Farmers are also alleging that sago factory owners are colluding to keep procurement prices low and that there is not standardised support from government on the same level as other forms of produce, such as turmeric.

Compounding their problems, many farmers are forced to borrow money at high interest rates through brokers tied to sago mill owners, often with exploitative conditions.

Farmers are urgently calling for government intervention, specifically demanding a minimum support price (MSP) for tapioca. They argue that without an MSP, they lack a crucial safety net.

S. Chandran, owner of a sago factory at Thammampatti, acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “There’s a production glut.” He anticipates that this year’s losses will lead to reduced tapioca output next season.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of tapioca farmers in the region and the pressing need for government support to protect their livelihoods.

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