Farmers seek refund of money paid towards crop loans

The Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, during its consultative meeting on Tuesday, urged the State government to refund the money paid by farmers towards crop loans obtained from cooperative societies.

Association president K.C. Rathinasamy and district president E.R. Kumarasamy were present at the meeting, and several resolutions were passed during the meeting that saw participation from several farmers.

A resolution said that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during his 2021 election campaign, had assured the waiver of crop loans after being elected to power. However, 734 farmers who had repaid loans to the tune of ₹20 crore on time and had their loans waived off, were yet to receive the money.  The resolution, therefore, urged the government to refund the money paid by these farmers. 

Another resolution called for the establishment of Uzhavar Sandhai in town panchayats, similar to those functioning in corporations. A resolution expressed concern over the sale of genetically modified maize, which is illegal in the country, in certain districts in the State. It urged stringent action to curb the practice.

The association also sought the removal of encroachments on the Mettur East and West Canals besides modernising them. A resolution said the State government had, in its 2023 budget, announced a drip irrigation facility for 2,400 acres at the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal ayacut areas near Bhavanisagar Dam. The project was handed over to the Horticulture Department which failed to carry out even the basic works, and the resolution called for the project to be expedited. Another resolution said there are 26 seepage schemes near the LBP canal benefitting 30,000 acres that need to be renovated.

Published - December 17, 2024 07:40 pm IST