August 22, 2025

The air was thick with farmer frustration at the Ramanathapuram Collectorate on Friday. Hundreds gathered at the grievance meeting, voicing loud worries over their cotton crops fetching a mere ₹45 per kilogram. Sathyamurthy, a passionate farmer from Kilathuvil, fired a sharp complaint: "The Union government has advised giving up to ₹100 per kilogram for cotton. However, in Ramanathapuram district, it is only fetching ₹45 per kilogram. Agriculture officials should set a minimum support price for cotton." His call for a fair price echoed across the room. Nagarathinam from Pudukudi added fuel to the fire: "In agricultural regulated markets, they claim the cotton is not up to standard and so refuse to fix a suitable price. Adding to this, the commission agents, for their part, form a syndicate and buy cotton at a very low price." He pointed accusing fingers at the marketing officials for their silence. The plight doesn’t end with cotton. Pakkiyanathan, president of the Tamil Nadu Vaigai Farmers Association, painted a grim picture: "During the rains in October and December, chilies and paddy crops were damaged. The government has not yet provided rain relief. Even after holding protests like rail blockades, the government has not paid attention." The farmers want more than words. Voices like Mayilvahanan, district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association, raised important demands for subsidised pump sets, vital for their fields. They also urged the government to compensate for crops damaged by deer and wild boars and fix low-hanging power lines that trouble their farmlands. Another clever demand: use the "100-day work scheme" to help clear seemai karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora), a pesky invasive plant, from water bodies like ponds and lakes. Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon responded with promise: "We have sent a report about the rain damage to the Commissioner of Revenue Administration. Rain relief funds will arrive soon." He also assured that ponds and lakes will be cleaned through kudimaramathu work—community maintenance—or with volunteer help before the rainy season arrives. The farmers left the meeting with hope but demand swift action. Will the authorities listen and help save the backbone of Ramanathapuram – its farmers?

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: Farmers, Cotton price, Rain relief, Ramanathapuram, Crop damage, Government schemes,