Tamil Nadu: On Saturday, the opposition AIADMK held enormous rallies in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta regions, asking that the state government compensate farmers who have been severely harmed by the northeast monsoon instead of waiting for Central aid.
In lieu of the newly-introduced online registration for this paddy procurement season, the party also demanded the adoption of a simple method to acquire paddy directly from farmers. Former minister for food and civil supplies R Kamaraj, who led the demonstration, said the DMK government should take steps to provide the ryots with the Rs 20,000 compensation promised.
"Despite the northeast monsoon receding a month ago, aid has failed to reach the afflicted farmers. Instead of waiting for central aid, the administration should take steps to disburse the money using existing finances," the former minister subsequently told reporters.
Rains wreaked havoc on Tamil Nadu, killing at least 54 people and injuring another 52. Aside from cattle, shelters, and homes, agricultural crops on 49,230 hectares and horticultural crops on 526 hectares were both devastated. The state government has requested Rs 2,629 crore in funding, with Rs 2,079 crore for long-term relief and restoration and Rs 550 crore for interim projects.
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