Chennai: Painting a grim picture of the drought-like situation in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said the deficit rainfall received during the North East Monsoon period has affected agricultural prospects. He assured that the government would adequately compensate the farmers.
“As against the normal rainfall of 440 mm received during the North East Monsoon period from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, Tamil Nadu had obtained only 168.3 mm rainfall this time. Of the 32 districts (in the state), 21 districts received 60 per cent less rainfall and these districts obtained only 40 per cent rainfall this season while the remaining 11 districts had received 35 to 59 per cent rainfall,” Mr Panneerselvam said.
Urging the farmers not to be apprehensive of the drought-like situation, Mr Panneerselvam assured that his government would adequately compensate the farmers for the crop loss once the high-level committee submitted its report to the government. “It is the duty of the government treading the path shown by Puratchi Thalaivi Amma to protect the farmers and fulfil its obligation,” he added.
The Collectors of all the districts, except Chennai, have been directed to submit reports to the government on the status of crops and drought in their respective districts after taking up inspections. High-level committees comprising top bureaucrats and Ministers would be immediately set up to supervise inspection in the districts. The panels would tour districts and submit their reports on Jan. 10. “Based on the reports, an announcement will be made on the drought situation and all necessary relief will be extended to the farmers,” he said in a release here on Tuesday.
Financial relief for affected crops apart, the farmers who had insured crops would also be able to get compensation from insurance companies. Against the backdrop of recent suicides of farmers in parts of TN owing to the agrarian crisis, the Chief Minister assured they need not be apprehensive about the present drought condition, as they would be provided appropriate relief. Since 86 percent crops were insured in Cauvery Delta areas, it would be possible for paddy farmers to receive up to Rs 25,000 as compensation per acre based on the extent of losses.
Earlier, a delegation led by President of Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations, P.R. Pandian met Mr Panneerselvam and demanded that the government send a high-level team to the affected districts to assess the situation. The delegation also demanded that the families of farmers who died be awarded compensation.
