Tamil Nadu - Erode   

Nallakannu blames encroachments for flood havoc

Staff Reporter

`The State Government must desilt water bodies'

ERODE: The havoc caused by floods in the State was due to large-scale encroachments of tanks and ponds, said Communist Party of India (CPI) National Executive Member R. Nallakannu.

Inaugurating the 23rd State-level Agriculturists Conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Vivasayeegal Sangam in Perundurai on Thursday, he said that a few years back, there were over 40,000 tanks and ponds in the State.

These water bodies stored rainwater and helped increase groundwater level in summer.

Hamlets inundated

But now, most of these tanks and ponds were encroached upon with the influence of political parties. The recent rain left hundreds of hamlets inundated, affecting the downtrodden.

The State Government should remove encroachments and desilt the water bodies, Mr. Nallakannu said.

Farmers did not get adequate price for their produce.

With products from other countries entering India following liberalisation, they were hit further.

Govt. reluctant

"Though the Union Government introduced several welfare schemes for farmers, the State Government, due to political animosity, was reluctant to implement them."

He urged the State to implement Central Government schemes, and seek more funds for the welfare of the farmers.

As the crop chosen for alternate crop system was not viable in the State, especially among small farmers, he urged the Government to consult farmers' associations before recommending a specific crop. Appropriate compensation should be provided to farmers who lost paddy and other crops in the recent rain, Mr. Nallakannu said.

Crop loans

Congress MP S.K. Karvendan said that the Union Government had ordered enhancement of granting crop loans to farmers. Fertilizer prices were reduced and the product easily available at all places.

The secretary of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Farmers Associations C. Nallasami asked the Union and State Governments to permit toddy tapping. He urged farmers to export vegetables and other primary agricultural products to other countries.

The representatives of MDMK, DMK, CPI (M) and farmers associations spoke.

The president of Tamil Nadu Vivasayeegal Sangam S. Gunasekaran presided. CPI national secretary D. Raja participated in the rally and public meeting held on Wednesday in Perundurai.

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