Chennai/Trichy: Members of the Tamil Nadu farmers union staged a protest on Tuesday in front of the secretariat against the TVK government's announcement of a partial crop loan waiver. Farmers gathered in large numbers, raising slogans demanding a fresh order for a complete waiver of crop loans. They voiced grievances that police did not permit them inside the secretariat to meet Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and submit their petition.
Statewide Demonstrations
Similar protests were held across the state by various farmers' associations. In Trichy, members of the CPI Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, CPM Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, and Tamil Maanila Congress Farmers Wing organized a demonstration. The protesters reminded the government of its pre-election commitment to fully waive loans for small and marginal farmers holding up to five acres and to waive 50% of loans for larger farmers.
Inadequate Waiver Criticized
As per the government announcement, the quantum of waiver decreases as the loan amount increases. Farmers, including small and marginal ones, who borrowed more than ₹1 lakh, and big farmers, will only receive a flat waiver of ₹5,000. “This waiver is inadequate. We demand that Vijay’s government review its decision and fully waive the loans,” said ‘Vayalur’ S. Rajendran, zonal vice president of the Tamil Maanila Congress Farmers Wing.
Fertilizer Price Hike Also Condemned
The CPI and CPM farmers’ associations also criticized the Union government for the recent hike in fertilizer prices during their protests. “The price hike will severely affect agriculture in the country. Just as the Union government gives concessions to corporate companies, it should also provide additional subsidies on fertilizers,” said ‘Ayilai’ S. Sivasooriyan, state treasurer of the CPI Tamil Nadu Farmers Association.
Farmers across Tamil Nadu continue to demand full loan waivers and additional subsidies to support the agricultural sector.
