That's exactly what a farmer from Tamil Nadu has done by building a spiral iron staircase around a towering 55-foot palm tree, making it easier, safer and more profitable to harvest palm sap.
Like many traditional occupations, palm climbing has become increasingly challenging, especially as skilled climbers grow older.
(Image: Nivetha J/News18)4 / 5 Harvesting pathaneer (fresh palm nectar) has always involved significant physical effort and risk.
The innovation also means harvesting can continue without depending solely on skilled climbers, helping keep the family's traditional occupation alive.
(Image: Nivetha J/News18)ADVERTISEMENT
Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 14:07 IST
1 / 5 Innovation doesn't always come from high-tech labs or expensive machines. Sometimes, it begins with a simple idea to solve an everyday problem. That's exactly what a farmer from Tamil Nadu has done by building a spiral iron staircase around a towering 55-foot palm tree, making it easier, safer and more profitable to harvest palm sap. (Image: Pexels)
2 / 5 Dinakar, a farmer from Salaiputhur village in Thoothukudi district, comes from a family that has worked in the palmyra industry for generations. Like many traditional occupations, palm climbing has become increasingly challenging, especially as skilled climbers grow older. His 70-year-old father, Yesudasan, was once actively involved in harvesting from palm trees but had to stop climbing due to age. Wanting to preserve both his family's livelihood and a long-standing tradition, Dinakar decided to think differently. (Image: Nivetha J/News18)
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3 / 5 Instead of relying on the physically demanding task of climbing the tree using traditional methods, Dinakar invested around ₹60,000 to construct a spiral staircase made of iron rods around a 55-foot-tall palmyra tree located near his home. The sturdy structure wraps around the trunk, allowing people to simply walk to the top instead of climbing. The staircase has been designed to make the tree accessible not just for experienced climbers, but also for elderly people, women and even older children involved in the family's work. (Image: Nivetha J/News18)
4 / 5 Harvesting pathaneer (fresh palm nectar) has always involved significant physical effort and risk. By replacing climbing with a staircase, the chances of falls and injuries are greatly reduced while making the process much more comfortable. The innovation also means harvesting can continue without depending solely on skilled climbers, helping keep the family's traditional occupation alive. (Image: Nivetha J/News18)
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