Farmers protest TVK govt crop loan waiver announcement

Chennai/Trichy: Members of the Tamil Nadu farmers union on Tuesday held a protest in front of the secretariat against TVK govt’s announcement of crop loan waiver. Farmers gathered in large numbers and raised slogans demanding that the govt issue a fresh order for a complete crop loan waiver. They later aired a grievance that police did not allow them inside the secretariat to meet chief minister C Joseph Vijay and submit their petition.

Similar protests were held across the state by farmers’ associations. In Trichy, members of CPI Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, CPM Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, and Tamil Maanila Congress Farmers Wing organised a demonstration. The protesters reminded the govt of its pre-election commitment to fully waive loans for small and marginal farmers holding up to five acres and waive 50% of loans for larger farmers.

As per the govt announcement, the quantum of waiver decreases as the loan amount increases. Farmers, including small and marginal ones, who borrowed more than ₹1 lakh, and big farmers, will only receive a flat waiver of ₹5,000.

“This waiver is inadequate. We demand that Vijay’s govt review its decision and fully waive the loans,” said ‘Vayalur‘ S Rajendran, zonal vice president, Tamil Maanila Congress Farmers Wing.

The CPI and CPM farmers’ associations also criticised Union govt for the recent hike in fertiliser prices during their protests. “The price hike will severely affect agriculture in the country. Just as the Union govt gives concessions to corporate companies, it should also provide additional subsidies on fertilisers,” said ‘Ayilai‘ S Sivasooriyan, state treasurer, CPI Tamil Nadu Farmers Association.