COIMBATORE: Farmers staged a protest in Coimbatore demanding the supply of coconut oil instead of palm oil in the ration shops.

AK Shanmugam, president of Non-Political Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, said production of traditional edible oils like groundnut oil, coconut oil and gingelly oil has declined due to increased import of palm oil, which causes adverse health effects on the public. The farmers urged the government to procure these traditional oils directly from farmers to help them earn a livelihood.

Highlighting that coconut farming is under threat due to severe pest attacks, Shanmugam urged the agricultural department to conduct detailed research and take remedial measures. They also demanded permission for toddy tapping allowed in several other states.