Delay in supply of free power to agricultural pumpsets under tatkal scheme irks farmers

Farmers in the western region where rainfed areas entirely rely on water pumped from wells for irrigation have expressed dismay over the delay on the part of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation in providing power connection for applicants under the tatkal scheme.

Several thousands of farmers have been waiting for the power connection to their pumpsets since 2020 when the scheme was announced during the AIADMK regime. The amount was fixed at ₹2.5 lakh for five hp motors, ₹2.75 lakh for 7.5 hp, ₹3 lakh for 10 hp and ₹4 lakh for 15 hp.

According to official data, 13,320 agricultural services were effected Statewide during 2024-25, adding 92,158 hp of agricultural load to the grid, and enabling irrigation in 29,530 acres of additional agricultural land.

Farmers taking part in the monthly agriculture grievances redress meetings at Coimbatore and Tiruppur have been highlighting their plight.

At the meeting in Coimbatore, Periyasamy, a progressive farmer, wondered how long the applicants under tatkal scheme will have to wait after paying the money upfront. It was ridiculous on the part of the Electricity Department to provide connections under the normal process quicker when compared to the tatkal procedure, another farmer pointed out.

The reply they got was that the applications were being categorised and attended. During September-October last year, 2,800 applicants in Coimbatore region were provided with agricultural, it is learnt.

But, farmers’ associations point out that a larger proportion of demand has not been met as yet.