Farmers begin indefinite fast for loan waiver in Tiruchy

According to the farmers, Tamil Nadu had witnessed the most dangerous drought in 2016 that forced the farmers to commit suicide due to the loss in their agricultural activities following water shortage.

“We have been continuously fighting for the loan waiver and compensation for crop damage for the past few years and even the apex court has suggested the state government to initiate steps to waive the loan but the state government has not been taking any step,” charged Ayyakannu.

Ayyakannu also demanded the loan waiver for the farmers who availed of loan through the nationalised banks. He also charged that the farmers who had already lost their crop, had failed to pay the dues for the jewels they had pledged but the banks without informing the farmers have commenced auctioning the jewels.

“The state government should instruct the banks not to auction the jewels. Since the farmers have witnessed a huge loss during that period, they could not settle the dues but the banks are very particular to auction the jewels,” Ayyakannu blamed.

Stating that the ground water level has been poor in Tamil Nadu, Ayyakannu said the state government should seriously think about the water management to solve the water crisis. “The Centre should initiate steps to link the Godavari and the Cauvery and also the Cauvery, Gundaru and Vaigai rivers which would solve the water crisis in the state,” he said.

He also blamed that the government has been supporting the cultivation of Genetically-Modified crops which would affect the people a lot. “The younger generation would lose their potency after consuming the GM crops,” cautioned Ayyakannu.

Ayyakannu said that the hunger strike would continue until their demands are met.  “We will never give up the protest till the government waives the loans as several states have implemented.”said Ayyakannu.

Earlier, in order to express their contempt, the farmers planned to hold a hunger strike in the city but the police keep on refusing their request. Later, they approached the City Commissioner of Police and appealed to permit them to organise the hunger strike.