Sago season in full swing as tapioca arrivals climb around Rasipuram

The sago processing season has picked up pace around Rasipuram, with tapioca arrivals at local units rising sharply after harvesting began in the surrounding villages. Several units have moved to double shifts to keep up with the supply. Tapioca is fetching ₹10,200 to ₹10,800 a tonne at the farm gate this week, slightly higher than last season, owing to better starch content after the rains. Processed sago is trading at around ₹4,350 for a 90-kg bag, and starch powder at ₹3,600 a bag. Unit owners said demand from wholesale buyers in north India usually rises ahead of the winter festival season, and early orders have been encouraging. Sunny weather over the next few weeks will be crucial, as the pearls are dried in open yards. Farmers have been advised to sell through registered units or the cooperative society to get the declared starch-based rates and timely payment.