Mekedatu, crop loan waiver come up at grievance meet

Trichy: Farmers attending a grievance redressal meeting in Trichy on Friday demanded enhancement of the revised crop loan waiver limits, and urged the TVK govt to honour its election promise.

They asked the govt to take all steps to halt the construction of the Mekedatu dam project.The meeting was presided over by district collector Pratik Tayal and officials from various departments. More than a hundred farmers, including leaders of various farmers’ associations, raised their grievances.It may be noted that several farmers’ associations and leaders have criticised the revised loan waiver scheme.

They point out that chief minister Joseph Vijay had promised in the election manifesto to fully waive crop loans for farmers holding up to 5 acres and provide a 50% waiver for those with larger landholdings.V Chidambaram, district president of CPM-affiliated Tamil Nadu Vivasaayigal Sangam, said, “We demand that the CM fulfil his election promise. Otherwise, we will be forced to resume protests once again.” The associations asked Centre to immediately reduce fertiliser prices now that the West Asia war is over. They also sought uninterrupted power supply.