No water, no govt help, we’re pushed to commit suicide: Farmers

At least 300 acres of agricultural land located at Othapai village in Poondi has been used traditionally for paddy cultivation by the local farmers. However, due to lack of adequate rainfall and rampant extraction of ground water, the farmers claim that they have not been able to cultivate paddy any more.

Speaking to DT Next, Balaraman, a farmer from Othapai village said, “For the last four years, we have not been able to raise paddy due to unavailability of water. While lack of rain is an issue, the water extraction has also been rampant as a result of which we are no longer in a position to continue farming.”

He added that as a result, livelihood of many farmers have been completely eroded and they are pushed to commit suicide. “We have brought our problems to the attention of the agriculture department officials but have received no help,” Balaraman said.

Other farmers from the neighbourhood also pointed out that they have also not been able to claim crop insurance that was available to them. “The officers in the agriculture department have not taken any steps to solve our issue. 

Due to the lack of the support from the government officers we are threatened by money lenders who gave us the loans at huge interest to tide over our crisis but now we are stuck,” another farmer from Othapai said.

When asked about the issues, Tiruvallur Collector R Maheshwari said that measures will be taken soon for the benefit of farmers residing in the Poondi area. 

“We have also held an urgent meeting on Sunday regarding the same issue and the agriculture department has been asked to take necessary steps and address the issue,” he said.