Collector K. Porkodi at farmers’ grievance meeting in Sivaganga on Friday.
A commotion erupted at the Sivaganga farmers’ grievance meeting here on Friday after farmers protested and argued with officials, claiming they were not given an opportunity to raise their demands and grievances.
A farmer Adhimoolam said the removal of Seema Karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) trees in the Kanmais was being delayed due to the interference of the Forest Department.
Raising issue of eucalyptus trees plantation in Manamadurai, Veerapaandi and Krishnan, farmers from Manamadurai regions said that due to the planting of Eucalyptus trees, water was not reaching 56 Kanmais in the surrounding region.
“Forest Department officials continue to plant Eucalyptus saplings, violating the orders of the High Court and the District Collector,” they alleged.
A farmer Ayyasamy pointed out that the water sharing arrangement was still based on the allocation made when the Vaigai Dam was built.
“Currently, the irrigated area in Madurai district has decreased. Water sharing should be revised based on the current irrigated area,” he added.
In many places, Mr. Ayyasamy noted that Village Administrative Officers were still not issuing ‘Adangal’ certificates for crop insurance and due to that Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies are refusing to process crop insurance.
He added, “The societies are facing a shortage of fertilizers, and some societies are distributing them partially or unfairly.”
Responding to the farmers’ grievances, Collector K. Porkodi assured that the State government would be recommended to revise the Vaigai river water sharing based on the calculation of the areas under cultivation.
Regarding the continued planting of Eucalyptus trees and failure in monitoring fertilizer sales, she said that notices seeking explanation would be sent to the Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation officials and Joint Director of Agriculture Department.
Further, Ms. Porkodi instructed the officials of various departments to work in coordination for providing necessary support for farmers to start new agriculture-related businesses through bank loans, disbursing crop insurance amount to farmers, stocking adequate fertilisers, providing subsidy amount for loans to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring regular electricity supply and issuing unique identification cards for farmers.
Published – October 31, 2025 09:18 pm IST
