The Nagapattinam District Farmers Welfare Protection Association has demanded a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 for farmers, fuel subsidy, and distribution of electric motors among their charter of demands.
Other demands include distribution of chemicals for de-weeding at a subsidy of 50 per cent by the departments of agriculture and horticulture; a 50 per cent subsidy for petrol, diesel and kerosene; and crop loans through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies. They have sought mini-electric motors with one HP capacity for small farmers in coastal areas; a 50 per cent subsidy for barbed wires; and cement posts to protect crops from stray cattle. They have also pitched for insurance coverage for horticultural crops on lines of agricultural crops.
The association has demanded that participation of MLAs and MPs at the monthly grievance meetings be made mandatory. A bimonthly meeting with the agricultural secretary should be arranged with participation of progressive farmers and department officials.