The sharp incurad darease in the price of l (black gram) has raised concerns over the future of the appalam manufacturing industry in Tamil Nadu. The price rise is expected to increase the production cost of appalam by approximately ₹30 per kilogram, posing a serious challenge to manufacturers.
Small, micro and medium-scale appalam manufacturers are already facing financial pressure due to rising production expenses. The latest increase in raw material prices is likely to add to their burden. If manufacturers increase selling prices to meet higher production costs, consumer demand may decline. However, selling at existing prices could result in financial losses for manufacturers.
Appalam is an important food product closely associated with the traditional food habits of people in Tamil Nadu. If the increase in urad dal prices leads to higher appalam prices, consumers may reduce their purchases, further shrinking the market opportunities for this traditional industry.
Thousands of small-scale manufacturers, particularly women, depend on this industry for their livelihoods. Any disruption to the sector would affect not only manufacturers but also the families of workers employed in the industry.
In view of the situation, the Central and State Governments have been urged to treat the issue as an urgent industrial crisis and take immediate measures. The association has called for steps to control the rising price of urad dal and provide the raw material to appalam manufacturers at subsidised rates.
Emphasising the seriousness of the issue, Dr. K. Thirumurugan, State President of the Tamil Nadu Appalam, Vadagam and Mor Milagai Association, said:
“If the production cost of one kilogram of appalam increases by around ₹30, it will become extremely difficult for small-scale manufacturers to continue their businesses. The appalam industry is not merely a business; it is the livelihood of thousands of families. Therefore, the government must intervene on an emergency basis to control the price rise of urad dal or provide it to manufacturers at subsidised rates.”
The association has appealed to the governments to take appropriate steps to protect the livelihoods of small-scale manufacturers and safeguard Tamil Nadu's traditional appalam industry.