Pattukkottai: Hundreds of coconut farmers took out a procession condoling what they said “death” of their “children”, the coconut trees (Thennam Pillai) in the wake of the ‘Gaja’ cyclone recently at Pattukottai on Saturday.
People from all walks of life participated in the procession from Kansankulam to Pattukottai bus stand, carrying inflorescence of coconut, sprouts of coconut and trees with garlands on them.
The procession highlighted the pathetic stage in which they are in and drew the attention of the people and the state authorities.
The farmers said that nearly 40 lakh coconut trees were uprooted by the 'Gaja' cyclone.
This has resulted in farmers losing their livelihood.
The coconut farmers demanded waiver of agriculture and educational loans borrowed by them, supply of quality coconut seedlings to them for fresh cultivation, reaching electricity to all the affected villages quickly, assessment of damages and payment of relief as early as possible.
