Ramanathapuram farmers express frustration over crop insurance delays

Expressing frustration over unresolved agricultural grievances, Ramanathapuram farmers at the grievance redress meeting here on Friday demanded immediate action against fertilizer shops that failed to display price lists, withhold purchase receipts, inflate prices during peak seasons, and force buyers to purchase unwanted companion products.

Tamil Nadu Farmers Association District president Muthuramu and Federation of All Farmers Associations District Secretary Muthuramalingam raised urgent concerns regarding delayed crop insurance pay-outs and drought relief for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Pointing to severe anomalies, they noted that despite paying premiums exceeding ₹300 per acre, individuals in areas like Mudukulathur taluk received a meagre ₹72 as compensation, prompting demands for statutory interest on delayed payouts.

The farmers made requests regarding the deepening of irrigation canals, electricity connections, and improving the bunds of irrigation tanks.

Further, farmers put forward requests concerning crop insurance and drought relief for the past 2025–26 financial year.

Additionally, they demanded that appropriate action be taken by the local bodies concerned to deepen irrigation tanks so as to harvest rainwater, and that irrigation canals be constructed all the way from Pallithurai to Paliyankudi.

They also requested that markets be established to sell their produce directly.

Addressing the complaints, Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran assured that pending compensation for left-out taluks will be disbursed immediately upon the release of central funds.

He also announced that block-level monitoring committees will be established to strictly oversee fertilizer distribution and mandate receipt issuance, while outlining plans to set up a weekly market in Uchipuli and relocate the market in Thiruththakosamangai.

During the meeting, officials highlighted significant administrative steps such as the clearance of an encroached bridge at Iyylurampatti village tank, the removal of unauthorised electric poles in Idayankottai union, and an open auction held for the removal of juliflora trees at Thirumangaikudi big tank.

Officials noted that revenue and agriculture teams have finalised joint-inspection loss assessments for drought-hit paddy crops across Kadaladi, Kamuthi, and Sayalkudi under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) guidelines.

Further, the district administration detailed ongoing agricultural welfare initiatives, including the Palm Development Movement,—which has benefited over 350 farmers—and the distribution of solar-powered agricultural pump sets carrying up to 50% government subsidies.