DMK failed to solve basic problems plaguing agricultural sector: Farmers federation

Despite having presented a separate budget for agricultural sector, the DMK government has not looked into the basic problems plaguing the farmers and has failed to take any steps to solve them in the last five years, said Cauvery Vaigai Kiruthumal Gundar Irrigation Farmers’ Federation.

In a statement, its general secretary M. Arjunan said that irrigation being the basic need for farming, the Government had failed in executing irrigation projects and in water management.

Mettur dam had touched the maximum reservoir level seven times in the last monsoon season, but its water wastefully drained into the sea.

Wellington Lake at Thittakudi in the Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Pannerselvam’s own district could not irrigate 25,000 acres as it did not receive sufficient water. Cultivation could be done only in 7,000 acres, he charged.

None of the election promises of DMK given in 2021 with regard to irrigation projects have been fulfilled, he said. Raising water level of Mullaperiyar dam to store to 152 feet, Cauvery–Vaigai–Gundar river-linking project, repair of the damaged Senbagavalli check dam, construction of 1,000 check dams and desilting of Mettur dam, Vaigai dam and Pechiparai dam have not been executed as promised.

Similarly, the arrears of cane farmers have not been settled by the sugar mills. National Cooperative Sugar Mills at Alanganallur has not been reopened and an Agricultural university for Madurai is yet to be realised, Mr. Arjunan said.

He also accused that the Government had failed to look into the irregularities at paddy procurement centres, paddy moisture‑related issues, forcible collection of bribe by officials.

The price of maize has fallen to ₹1,900 a quintal this year from ₹2,300 per quintal last year. Maize being the major crop after paddy, government must fix its procurement price and buy it directly from the farmers.

Distribution of coconut oil, groundnut oil and sesame oil instead of palm oil through ration shops should be done to safeguard local farmers.

Milk procurement price should be increased to meet the rising maintenance cost and price of fodder, the federation demanded.

Wages for poultry farm workers must be increased.

He also accused the Government of having failed to give crop insurance to farmers, preventing wild animals from invading the farmlands and preventing quarries from damaging waterbodies and farmlands.

The pride in presenting a separate budget for agriculture by the DMK is only an empty slogan.