Accept our 10-point charter to earn our support: farmers’ body

'State government should take steps to link 42,213 lakes and rivers'

The Tamizhaga Eri and Aatrupaasana Vivasayigal Sangam – Tamil Nadu has decided to support those parties in the polls that promise to implement its 10-point charter of demands.

Resolution adopted

A resolution to this effect was unanimously adopted at the forum’s State general body meeting held here on Sunday presided over by State president P.Viswanathan.

One of the resolutions urged the government to fix Rs.4, 000 per tonne for sugarcane, Rs.2, 000 per quintal for paddy, Rs.7, 000 per quintal for cotton, and Rs.1,800 per quintal for maize. It wanted the Central government to bring out a separate budget for agriculture and announce Rs.3, 000 as pension for farmers who are above 60 years of age.

Allow export

It also urged the Centre to allow the export of cotton, maize, and onion. The State government should take steps to link 42, 213 lakes and rivers in the State to prevent rainwater from draining into sea. Linking of rivers and lakes would turn rain-fed lands into fertile ones which would usher in a second agricultural revolution, the forum said.

Check dams

Dredging of tanks in Tiruchi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Pudukottai and Karur districts, implementation of Chinnamutlu check dam at Malayalapatti in Perambalur, construction of a causeway-cum-check dam from Lalgudi to Kilikoodu near Kallanai in Tiruchi, construction of a check dams at Manamedu area near Thottiyam in Tiruchi district and across the Marudhaiyar in Ariyalur district.

Establishment of a procurement centre for onion at Thuraiyur and waiver of farm loans to assuage the sufferings of farmers hit by monsoon failure, formed part of their other demand.