Protect palm trees, teach children their value: Sowmiya Anbumani

PMK legislature party leader and Pasumai Thaayagam president Sowmiya Anbumani has called for the protection of palm trees and for schools to teach children about their ecological and economic importance.
Addressing the two-day exhibition on palm tree products organised by the Siragugal NGO at Erode Texvalley on Sunday, she described the palmyrah tree as a “kalpavriksha” or wish-fulfilling tree. She said it grows without much water or fertiliser and that every part of the tree, from its roots to its crown, is useful to human beings.
She said products such as palm sprouts, palm leaves, palm jaggery and palm candy, along with other by-products and handicrafts, are being developed. Describing the palmyrah tree as “like our mother,” she said it helps conserve water and supports groundwater recharge.
Ms. Anbumani expressed concern that palm trees are being removed while national highways are widened into six-lane roads. As a result, children today know about coconut and mango trees but have little knowledge of the palmyrah tree, she said.
Referring to the traditional reverence for trees in places of worship, she said trees such as banana, banyan and neem are respected, but the palmyrah tree has not received the recognition it deserves.
She said palm trees have withered in parts of Dharmapuri owing to drought, and children should be taught about their importance. She also said permission is required to cut palm trees, but alleged that some are being used by brick kilns.
Referring to efforts along the Thamirabarani riverbed in Tirunelveli district, she said one lakh palm seeds are being planted there. She added that the export of palm products, valued at Rs. 200 crore, has created employment for many people. She urged that palm seedlings be promoted and protected.
Though the palmyrah tree is said to have originated in Africa, it is now largely absent there and continues to exist in Asia, she said. She emphasised that the value of palm trees should be taught in schools.