Innovations Adopted by Kitul (Caryota urens) taper to Overcome Rapid Succession and Maturation of Inflorescences and Inclement Weather Conditions

Abstract

Sap of Kitul palm is obtained by tapping the inflorescence (flower) to make a variety of products including treacle, jaggery and toddy. Kitul sap is obtained by seasoning the inflorescence before it is open. Seasoning of flowers has three objectives viz. tenderization of flower for easy slicing, delaying maturity to extend longevity of sap flow and keep the flower bent downwards to facilitate collection of sap. Kitul has a long gestation period about 10-15 years whereas its productive period is appreciably low about five years. The total number of flowers produced during a lifetime of a tree is in the range of 13-15. However, all the flowers could not be tapped mainly owing to inclement weather. Emergence of inflorescences at short intervals, quick maturing of inflorescences and inclement weather conditions are mail! obstacles for successful seasoning of an inflorescence as well as for production life of a Kitul tree The emergence of flowers during rains is frequent while it is delayed in dry periods The inflorescences that formed at short intervals become useless since all of them could not be seasoned and tapped. As a result of maturing of an inflorescence slicing becomes difficult. Besides, sap flow is appreciably reduced. Appearance of inflorescence in quick succession is also caused to deplete food reserves in the pith of main trunk giving no chance to utilize them. Some innovative tappers have taken measures to face these natural phenomena and overcome them by different means. The objective of the study was to examine measures adopted by Kitul tappers to overcome emergence of inflorescences at short intervals, delaying maturity of inflorescences and influence of rainy weather conditions and dry spells.