The Tamizhaga Eri Matrum Atrupasana Vivasayigal Sangam urged both the Centre and the State government to write off all the farm loans procured from the primary agricultural cooperative banks, and nationalised banks in 2011-12 taking into consideration the severe drought conditions prevailing in the State.
The monsoon had completely failed in the State and the Cauvery too remained dry.
All farmers had been hit and waiver of farm loans was the need of the hour, a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Sangam held here on Monday said.
The Chief Minister who wants to create a second green revolution in the State, should present a separate budget for agriculture, another resolution said.
The government should take the initiative for inter-linking all rivers and other water sources in the State. Such a step would benefit one crore farmers.
Paddy had been raised on about 1.5 lakh acres of land in Tiruchi district, yet another said and pleaded with the government to set up 50 direct procurement centres. Besides it should open cotton procurement centres in Thuraiyur, Manachanallur, and Pullambadi. The government should provide compensation to farmers for the loss of coconut, and mango trees hit by drought. Although Tiruchi district experienced adequate rainfall, 185 tanks did not have water. Hence, the government should dredge all tanks and channels immediately, another resolution said.
P. Viswanathan, sangam’s state president, presided.
