Thoothukudi farmers seek training on neera extraction

Thoothukudi farmers demand training for neera extraction, crop insurance compensation, maize procurement center, and river protection.

Farmers from Thoothukudi district have urged the authorities to provide training for extraction of neera (padhaneer) from coconut trees, while submitting petitions at the grievance redress meeting at the Collectorate here on Thursday.

The monthly meeting was presided over by Collector K. Elambahavath. The farmers raised several concerns including full compensation for shallots and cotton crops under 2023-2024 crop insurance scheme, a demand that has been repeatedly raised in previous meetings.

They also urged the authorities to immediately disburse relief for crops damaged by the 2024 monsoon rains. Other demands included establishment of a maize procurement centre at Mela Sekkarakudi and investigation into fertilizer smuggling in Kovilpatti, with stringent action against those involved.

Farmers further emphasised the need for initiatives to improve coconut farming. They urged swift action to return their savings and pledged jewellery from Kurumbur Primary Agriculture Cooperative Bank, which has been allegedly involved in fraudulent practices. They also called for complete removal of invasive Prosopis Juliflora (seemai karuvelam) from the Tamirabharani river and protection of water rights in Karumeni river.

Mr. Elambahavath said compensation for shallots and cotton crops had already been credited to the farmers’ bank accounts, except for two specific regions where the payment would be processed within a couple of days. The feasibility of setting up a maize procurement centre would be reviewed and directed the Water Resource Department to ensure proper water management of irrigation tanks. Police investigations into fertilizer smuggling cases were ongoing he said and assured that necessary action will be taken.

The Collector highlighted that training on extraction of neera would be given through Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Efforts were also being made to return the savings and pledged jewels from Kurumbur Cooperative Bank. The eradication of Prosopis Juliflora from the Tamirabharani river would be completed soon, he said.