Ongoing conflict in West Asia has driven up costs of essential goods,hitting makers of Manapparai murukku hard . Over 700 families in this cottage industry struggle as ingredient and packaging prices soar. It's a tough time for their traditional snack production.
Manufacturers face multiple hurdles . Manapparai murukku, a mix of rice flour, urad dal,salt,and spices,is known for its crunch through double frying. Even with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023,they're not spared from economic pressures. “Now,murukku makers are dealing with a labor shortage; getting firewood and cooking gas is tougher,” said Sekhar Muthusamy, head of Manapparai Murukku Manufacturers Association.
War has also pushed up costs of food-grade plastic packaging,key for marketing the snack . A stall owner on busy Manapparai-Dindigul highway said they can't hike prices despite rising costs. “Customers won't pay more than ₹20-₹25 for 12 murukkus,” he noted. This forces makers to absorb costs,squeezing margins further.
Producers usually fry with refined oil, groundnut, and palm oil. Refined oil is preferred for health, but price gaps widen. A kilogram fried in refined oil costs ₹324, while palm oil jumped from ₹250 to ₹300. “It's sad our makers can't make ends meet locally,” Muthusamy said,stressing dire situation . How long can they hold on…
