A large number of farmers took part in a rally organised by Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam in the city demanding compensation for the martyrs among them since 1970, for the cause of welfare of agriculturists, and construction of a ‘manimandapam' by the government in memory of Narayanasamy Naidu at his native village, Vaiyampalayam in Coimbatore district.
A resolution seeking permanent solution to the Inter-state river water sharing disputes pertaining to the Cauvery, Mulla Periyar and Palar, was adopted at their conference in Uzhavar Sandhai grounds, the culmination point of the rally from K.T. Junction. Sangam State president S.A.Chinnasamy presided over the rally that was addressed by top functionaries including K. Sundaram, State General Secretary; K.P.Velumani, State Treasurer; and R.Rajachidambaram, State Secretary. The speakers urged the State Government to ensure unfailing implementation of the Cauvery water supplied under the interim award.
While demanding procurement of sugarcane for Rs.2,000 per tonne, they also emphasised the need for similar procurement mechanism for other agricultural produces. Referring to the high cost of milch cows, escalating prices of cattle feed and expensive maintenance costs, the farmers emphasised that the Government should procure milk for a minimum of Rs.25 per litre.
Their other demands included grant of permission to extract soil from water bodies, subsidy-linked loans for de-silting individual wells, and pension for all farmers over 60 years of age.
