The State President of the Tamil Nadu Appalam Vadagam Mor Vathal Association, Dr. Thirumurugan, has expressed serious concern that the sharp rise in the prices of key raw materials used in appalam production is pushing the livelihoods of small and micro-scale producers into severe crisis.
In particular, the price of black gram (urad dal), the primary raw material used in appalam production, has risen dramatically in recent days. The price has increased by nearly ₹3,000 per quintal, with an additional ₹30 per kilogram increase in retail rates. The prices of polyethylene-related materials have also increased by around ₹100. This sudden surge has raised doubts about whether the increase is due to natural market fluctuations or artificially created conditions.
In addition, the prices of polyethylene bags, adhesives, carton-strapping belts, cello tape, packing polyethylene covers, ties, and labour wages have all increased simultaneously. As a result, the appalam manufacturing sector is facing severe financial pressure.
Due to these circumstances, the cost of production has increased significantly, forcing manufacturers to consider raising the price of appalam. However, many small-scale producers are struggling to increase prices because they are mindful of the purchasing capacity of the general public. If production costs rise by ₹30–₹40 per kilogram, it raises the question of how consumers will be able to afford appalam.
Because of this difficult situation, many small and micro enterprises operating in Tamil Nadu are currently functioning at only half their capacity, while several units have completely shut down, which is deeply distressing. This crisis threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families.
Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Appalam Vadagam Mor Vathal Association has urged both the Central and State Governments to intervene immediately and take urgent measures to protect the appalam industry and other related small-scale sectors. In particular, steps must be taken to control the rising prices of raw materials.
Furthermore, the association has requested the governments to relax restrictions related to LPG cylinders used in the appalam industry and provide necessary concessions and support for workers and small-scale industries.
The association has emphasized that immediate action on a war-footing basis is required to protect the appalam industry, which serves as the primary source of livelihood for hundreds of families, and has brought this issue to the attention of both the Central and State Governments.