Trichy Farmers Demand Drought Relief Amid El Niño Fears

Farmers and agricultural associations in Trichy submitted petitions to the district collector on Friday, demanding drought relief measures due to the effects of El Niño. They highlighted significant damage to kuruvai crops in the Cauvery basin, attributed to water scarcity. Concerns were also raised regarding expected heavy losses in banana, sugarcane, betel vine, and flower crops.

In addition to crop compensation, rural agricultural labourers are seeking job opportunities and immediate financial assistance. The associations are urging for the implementation of government job schemes for card-holding workers and a relief package for labourer families facing unemployment. They also called for the desilting and deepening of lakes and ponds, along with the repair of inlet and outlet canals, to enhance rainwater storage in anticipation of the northeast monsoon.

Representatives from various farmer groups, including the CPI Tamil Nadu Vivasaayigal Sangam and the Tamil Maanila Congress Farmers Wing, presented their grievances. They emphasized the need for a special survey to assess agricultural losses and ensure timely compensation reaches affected farmers. The farmers also requested clear guidelines for upcoming samba cultivation, reflecting their growing anxiety over the prevailing dry conditions and water shortages.