Farmers standing knee-deep in water in submerged paddy fields at Vagaramavadi hamlet in Kilvelur taluk, during a protest over rain-hit crops and poor infrastructure on Monday
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Over 50 farmers from Vagaramavadi hamlet in Vadakarai panchayat, Kilvelur taluk, waded into submerged paddy fields on Monday to register their protest against what they termed official apathy to extensive crop damage caused by recent rains.
The agitation, led by S.R. Tamil Selvan, a farmer leader from the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Protection Association, highlighted large-scale inundation in the region. “Nearly 15,000 acres in Kilvelur taluk have been affected,” Mr. Tamil Selvan said, standing alongside farmers ankle- to knee-deep in water.
Protesting farmers said no senior official had visited the village so far to assess the damage. They demanded prompt compensation for crop loss, adequate and timely supply of fertilisers for replanting or gap-filling, and clear guidelines on assistance to affected farmers.
They also pointed to the poor condition of roads in Vadakarai panchayat, alleging that uneven and damaged stretches were aggravating water stagnation. “If proper roads and drainage had been provided, water would not remain in our fields and streets for this long,” a farmer said.
The protesters urged the district administration to conduct an immediate field inspection in Vagaramavadi and surrounding areas, take up desilting and drainage works on a priority basis, and ensure that compensation reaches small and marginal farmers without delay.
Published – December 01, 2025 09:56 pm IST
