Announce special package for alternative crops: Farmers’ outfit

Trichy: Tamil Nadu Kaviri Uzhavargal Pathukaapu Sangam has urged the state govt to announce a comprehensive scheme to promote alternative crops in the Cauvery delta districts, as severe water shortage has left many farmers unable to cultivate kuruvai paddy.In a statement, the outfit noted that insufficient water in the Mettur dam has reduced the area under kuruvai cultivation by nearly 2.6 lakh acres compared to the previous years“We demand a formulation of a special package for cultivation of alternative crops, similar to the kuruvai special package. It should include subsidy for inputs including fuel,” said ‘Swamimalai’ S Vimalanathan, leader of the body.The association noted that food and civil supplies minister P Venkataramanan had appealed to farmers to switch to alternative crops.

It warned that forecast of extreme heat in several Tamil Nadu districts would cause massive revenue loss for farmers and agricultural workers, besides severe fodder shortage for livestock.Highlighting the recent increase in petrol, diesel, and fertilizer prices by the Union govt, the association stressed that senior officials should visit the delta districts, hold consultations with farmers, and prepare an action plan with targets. Chief minister Vijay must convene a high-level meeting with officials to discuss the issues and announce immediate measures, it added.