Kovilpatti farmers ‘beg’ for flood relief

The protestors, who held begging bowls, claimed that farmers from Thoothukudi district, who were affected by floods, were not considered for government relief despite nod from the district administration. In 2015-16, Thoothukudi district was affected with floods and thousands of acres under various crops got submerged. These included both dry and wet lands. Though the district administration had sent the recommendation to state government to grant compensation to the affected farmers, the recently released list of beneficiaries doesn’t include their names. 

The protestors questioned why farmers of Thoothukudi district were left out from government relief despite district administration sending the recommendation. They alleged the government was biased against the farmers of Thoothukudi district. 

The crop insurance amount for 2015-16 too was not distributed, they complained. The region was hit by drought in 2016-17.

The affected farmers pin hope on timely payment of insurance amount so that they can repay their debts and prepare for cultivation in the coming season.