Loan waiver makes Delta farmers happy

THANJAVUR: Farmers of Cauvery delta districts welcomed the waiver of loans taken from cooperative banks, the first order to be signed by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa after assuming office on Monday.

“It is heartening she signed the order as one of the first along with other promises she made in the poll manifesto”, farmers said. Sundara Vimalanathan, secretary, Thanjavur District Cauvery  Farmers Protection Association, said Jayalalithaa has fulfilled  farmers expectations. However, it should not be for small and marginal  farmers  alone. Big farmers should also be included, he said.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had waived loans to the tune of Rs 10,500 crore after he assumed charge, they pointed out. This included all kinds of loans, including those owed to nationalised banks.
“If Tamil Nadu Government also can do like that, it will be a bigger relief to the  farmers in Tamil Nadu,” Vimalanathan said.

He also said the government should also come to the rescue of sugarcane farmers. Sugarcane farmers have to get arrears nearly to the tune of Rs 900 crore from sugar mills in Tamil Nadu. The mills are not paying the State Advisory Price of Rs 550 per tonne over and above the fair and remunerative price of Rs 2,300 fixed by the Central government, he pointed out. Giving free power up to 100 units will help agricultural workers and poorer sections, he said.

V. Jeevakumar, another farmer from Budalur, said he welcomed the loan waiver, as it was a necessity for farmers who are sinking due to debt burden. “It is heartening to note the State has waived loans availed of till  March 31 this year.  At the same time it should take steps to give fresh loans to farmers,” he said.

Welcoming the waiver, P.R. Pandian, president of ‘Thamizhaga Anaithu Vivasaya Sangangalin Koottamaippu’ said farmers have written a letter to the Chief Minister seeking appointment with her to thank her for the latest debt relief.