Farmers of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam thronged the Collectorate here on Wednesday demanding the State government to provide adequate compensation for crops, which suffered damages in the wake of recent rains.
Pressing for a charter of demands to be fulfilled by the State government, the farmers carrying decayed crops staged an agitation in front of the Collectorate.
It was led by R. Raghavan, district president of the association.
K.P. Perumal, district secretary of the association, who took part, said crops such as black gram, green gram, maize, cotton, chillies, banana, paddy and other irrigated crops were damaged.
He said the government should declare Tuticorin as flood-affected district and extend adequate compensation to those affected.
As for damaged caused to rainfed crops, compensation of Rs.15,000 per acre and Rs.25,000 per acre for damaged crops of irrigation source should be extended.’
Bananas, sugarcane and beetel leaves suffered severe damage and compensation of Rs.50,000 per acre should be given to every affected farmer. Moreover, several houses were also damaged and compensation of Rs.25,000 for a hut, which was damaged completely, and Rs.20,000 for a hut, which was damaged partly, should be given to the victims.
As for a damaged tiled roof house, compensation of Rs.50,000 should be given. Further, he said waterbodies should be maintained carefully and desilted at regular intervals.
Bunds along waterbodies should be strengthened and encroachments removed soon to safeguard people from any further chance of flooding, Mr. Perumal added.