Farmers' raise concerns over renovation works disrupting cultivation in Thoothukudi

The Hindu

4 days ago

Farmers in Thoothukud district have voiced their concerns during the monthly grievance redress meeting, stating that the ongoing renovation works in water bodies are affecting the crop cultivation, even though water has been released for irrigational activities.
The meeting held at the district collectorate was chaired by Thoothukdi Collector K. Elambahavath. During the meeting, the collector addressed various grievances submitted by the farmers.
At the meeting the farmers requested to organise an agricultural exhibition in Thoothukudi district. They also urged the immediate release of funds for crop damage caused by December 2024 floods and compensation for chillies and shallots, which were damaged during the 2023 floods. They noted that Vilathikulam and Sivagnanapuram region farmers still await the compensation.
The farmers further highlighted the integrated plan to control weed in rainfed areas. They demanded an increase in the procurement price of milk and to hike the salaries of the milk cooperative society employees. In addition, they called for uninterrupted supply of quality seeds and fertilizers, and urged the withdrawal of requiring a CIBIL score for issuing agricultural loans.
A request was also made for the establishment of a storage facility at Melachekkarakudi for storing black gram, green gram and maize. Framers suggested that government-subsidised hybrid coconut saplings, which are said to yield higher income, should be demonstrated on fertile lands with farmers taken for exposure visits.
Addressing the grievances Mr. Elambahavath said that agricultural exhibitions are conducted at zonal level. This year, it is scheduled to be held in Tirunelveli, and farmers from Thoothukudi district will be invited to participate.
The assessment of the December 2024 flood related crop damage has been completed and a proposal sent to the government, which includes ₹59 crore for agricultural crops, ₹14.6 crore for horticultural crops and compensation for banana crops damaged by gale in the last April. Relief for crop damage during the 2023 floods is still pending and is expected shortly.
He added that assessment will be conducted to control weeds in rainfed areas and things such as milk procurement price, reducing rental charges of agricultural equipment are under government policy decisions. If special schemes are introduced, efforts will be made to offer concessions to farmers.
The Collector further noted that the delay in water release at some places was due to essential renovation works and has advised the PWD officials to plan such activities. Measures will be taken in the future to prevent such delays and ensure that any infrastructure work disrupt any farming activities.
Officials from Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Horticulture Department, Public Works Department were amongst those present.