Producers and workers engaged in the buttermilk chilli (Mor Milagai) manufacturing industry at Poliyamanur in Dindigul district submitted a petition to former Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy, seeking immediate intervention to protect their livelihoods and resume production, which has remained suspended for the past 40 days.
More than 130 producers in Poliyamanur, under Sriramapuram Town Panchayat in the Athoor Assembly constituency, have been engaged in the traditional buttermilk chilli production industry for over 40 years. The industry directly and indirectly provides livelihood to more than 10,000 people.
According to the producers, manufacturing came to a halt after complaints were filed alleging that the large quantity of salt used in the production process was affecting local drinking water sources. As a result, production has remained suspended for the last 40 days, leaving producers and workers facing severe financial hardship.
Led by Town Panchayat President Sakila Raja, Vice-President Murugesan, Poliyamanur Branch Secretary Rajkumar, and producers including Ganesan, L.K. Balan, Senthil, and Subramani, around 400 people met I. Periyasamy, former Minister for Rural Development, DMK Deputy General Secretary, and MLA for Athoor, and submitted a memorandum requesting the government to take immediate steps to protect the industry and allow production to resume.
Receiving the petition, I. Periyasamy assured the workers of his support. He stated that the DMK has always worked for the welfare of the people, whether in government or in opposition, and would continue to raise its voice against actions that affect the public.
He further claimed that during the previous five years under the DMK government, both the Sungudi dyeing industry in Chinnalapatti and the buttermilk chilli production industry in Poliyamanur functioned without disruption, ensuring employment for thousands of workers. However, following the change in government, workers in both sectors have been unable to work for the past 40 days.
Periyasamy assured the workers that he would continue to stand by both the Sungudi dyeing workers and the buttermilk chilli producers to safeguard their livelihoods.
Expressing gratitude for his assurance, the buttermilk chilli producers thanked the former minister with tears in their eyes.
Several DMK functionaries, including Athoor Natarajan, K. Sathimoorthy, Hariharan, Vivekanandan, Panchampatti Mani, Ponmurugan, Pillaiyarnatham Murugesan, Paraipatti Raman, Amudhavel, Selvi Kangeyan, and Nellai Subash, were also present during the meeting.