TIRUCHY: Weavers specialising in coconut frond are experiencing a surge in demand thanks to a notable shift towards eco-friendly solutions to the scorching summer heat. Unlike previous years, where plastic sheets dominated the scene, this summer has seen a rising preference for weaved coconut fronds.
One of the catalysts for the change is the adoption of coconut fronds by several shops and stalls as shade. Ganapathy, a staffer at a prominent restaurant on Vayalur Road, said coconut fronds used in the parking lot absorb more heat compared to plastic sheets.
With temperatures in the city soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, weavers feel the benefits of coconut fronds are becoming increasingly evident to both vendors and consumers.
Senthamarai T, a weaver, said, "Earlier, only few used coconut fronds as shades. This year, a few small shops in the city and on the outskirts are using the material. We hope to get more orders in the coming days."
M Nachippan, who operates a stall at Uyyakondan Thirumalai, highlighted the growing demand for weaved coconut fronds, particularly from city residents seeking relief from the summer heat. Despite the modest profits initially, the increasing enquiries signal a promising trend for these artisans.
"There are about four or five stalls selling weaved coconut fronts. Most of us are getting coconut fronds from Theni. We sell fronds in bundles, with one bundle of 10 fronds fetching Rs 500. We are expecting more orders this year," he added.
