Kakinada, Dec 25th: Andhra Pradesh Kallu Geeta Karmika (toddy tappers) Sangham General Secretary Juttiga Narasimha Murthy on Friday alleged that the state government has connived with the liquor lobbies and multinational companies to abolish toddy production in a phased manner. Addressing a press conference here, he said though the usefulness of toddy as a nutrient was scientifically proved, the government had imposed several restrictions on it only to benefit the liquor traders.

He said over 60 lakh toddy tappers and 10 lakh families were depended upon the toddy for their livelihood. He alleged that private contractors entered the field with the tacit support of the excise department and brought bad name by adulterating the toddy for promotion of their business. Out of 1.71 crore Palmyra trees, 75 lakhs were under tapping for today, fetching a revenue of Rs 45 crore per annum to the exchequer, he said.

He also alleged the government was doing much injustice by not implementing the pension scheme for the toddy tappers. It also shirked its responsibility of paying ex-gratia to the toddy tappers who died in accidents by entrusting the same to the insurance companies, he added.