Dindigul Farmers Stage Walkout at Collectorate, Demand Full Crop Loan Waiver and Drought Declaration
Farmers in Dindigul district staged a walkout during a grievance redress meeting held at the Dindigul Collectorate on Friday, demanding a complete waiver of crop loans. The meeting, presided over by Collector Durgamoorthi, was disrupted shortly after it began when a section of farmers walked out to press their demands.
The farmers urged the State government to fully waive crop loans, citing the severe drought conditions that have affected agricultural activities in the region. They also condemned attempts to curb a farmers' protest in Tiruchi, expressing solidarity with fellow farmers.
A key demand was for Dindigul district to be declared drought-hit. The farmers pointed out that coconut trees had been affected due to the drought, and called for a survey to assess the damage and provide relief. They also demanded that water from the Cauvery river be brought to the region to meet the needs of the people.
Collector Durgamoorthi assured the farmers that meeting the drinking water needs of the public was of paramount importance and that necessary steps would be taken. Authorities also mentioned that a new scheme was under consideration to bring water to around 60 irrigation tanks in the district.
Farmers complained that wild animals were entering agricultural lands in search of water, and urged the authorities to desilt waterbodies to increase their capacity to store rainwater. They also demanded the removal of encroachments from waterbodies and action against unauthorised soil extraction. The Collector responded that strict action would be taken in this regard.
Additionally, the Collector informed the farmers that the removal of seemai karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) trees was underway across all blocks in the district. This invasive species is known to deplete groundwater, and its removal is part of efforts to improve water availability.
The walkout highlights the growing distress among farmers in Tamil Nadu, where repeated droughts and water scarcity have severely impacted agriculture. Dindigul district, like many parts of the state, has been grappling with deficient rainfall, leading to crop losses and mounting debt. Farmers have been demanding comprehensive relief measures, including loan waivers and infrastructure improvements to secure water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Tamil Nadu has witnessed frequent droughts in recent years, with erratic monsoon patterns affecting crop yields. The Cauvery river dispute with Karnataka has further exacerbated water scarcity in the delta region, including parts of Dindigul. Farmers have long demanded a permanent solution to the water-sharing issue.
Crop loan waivers are a contentious topic in Indian politics. While some states have implemented such schemes, economists often debate their long-term impact on agricultural credit discipline. Farmers, however, argue that waivers are essential for survival in the face of repeated crop failures.
Similar protests have been reported in other parts of the state, with farmers urging the government to address their grievances urgently. The Tiruchi protest, which the Dindigul farmers condemned, was reportedly met with attempts to curb it, raising concerns about the right to peaceful assembly.
The State government has yet to respond to the demands for a complete crop loan waiver. However, the Collector's assurances on drinking water and waterbody restoration indicate some recognition of the crisis. Farmers, however, remain sceptical, stating that promises alone will not suffice without concrete action.
The meeting ended without a resolution to the farmers' primary demand, and they vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The incident underscores the pressing need for sustainable solutions to Tamil Nadu's water and agricultural challenges.
