Should the TN Government Revise the Pongal Gift Package for Farmers?
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Synopsis
Delta farmers in Tamil Nadu are urging a revision of the Pongal gift package to enhance support for local agriculture. They advocate for the inclusion of mould jaggery and an increase in sugarcane supply, aiming for fairer compensation and to preserve cultural heritage during this important festival.
Key Takeaways
- Delta farmers advocate for the inclusion of mould jaggery in Pongal packages.
- They request an increase in sugarcane supply from one to two stems.
- Local jaggery production supports rural employment.
- Farmers face substantial losses due to unfair procurement practices.
- Pongal festival should reinforce support for the agricultural community.
Chennai, Dec 6 (NationPress) Delta farmers are urging the Tamil Nadu government to revise this year's Pongal gift package by incorporating mould jaggery (achu vellam) and providing two stems of edible sugarcane instead of the current one. They believe this adjustment would not only bolster traditional farming livelihoods but also create a more culturally authentic festival experience for the over 2.32 crore ration card holders across the State.
Each year, the government distributes a Pongal package that traditionally includes rice, sugar, and a solitary piece of sugarcane. Farmers argue that the persistent inclusion of white sugar, instead of locally sourced jaggery, has denied numerous small jaggery producers essential seasonal income.
Recognizing that jaggery production is a labour-intensive cottage industry, they assert that sourcing directly from local units would enhance rural employment and help sustain traditional manufacturing practices. Additionally, farmers have voiced concerns regarding the procurement process for sugarcane.
They claim that while the government allocates Rs 35 per sugarcane piece to contractors, politically connected middlemen are purchasing the cane from growers for as little as Rs 13–15. This disparity leads to substantial losses for farmers already facing fluctuating input costs, labor shortages, and unpredictable weather.
"The current procurement system is detrimental to farmers. The government needs to step in to ensure fair pricing," stated Sambantham, a sugarcane grower from Umayalpuram in Thanjavur district.
He has called on the government to buy sugarcane directly from farmers this Pongal season and to set the price at Rs 45 per piece.
"This change would allow us to secure a reasonable profit for our efforts," he added, emphasizing that payments should be made directly to farmers' bank accounts to avoid malpractices and ensure transparency. Farmers believe that increasing the supply to two canes per family would satisfy demand and support thousands of cane growers across Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, where extensive areas are dedicated to sugarcane cultivation.
They assert that the Pongal festival, celebrated as a tribute to the Sun and the harvest, should also serve as an opportunity for the State to demonstrate its commitment to the agricultural community.
By sourcing both sugarcane and jaggery locally, farmers contend that the government would not only uplift traditional producers but also preserve Tamil Nadu’s agrarian heritage during the most significant harvest festival.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the farmers' genuine concerns regarding the Pongal gift package. Their request highlights the need for the government to prioritize local agriculture, which is vital for both economic stability and cultural integrity. Supporting farmers is not just an economic issue; it is about preserving the traditions that define Tamil Nadu's identity.
NationPress
06/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are Delta farmers requesting to be added to the Pongal gift package?
Delta farmers are requesting the addition of mould jaggery and an increase in the supply of edible sugarcane from one to two stems.
Why do farmers prefer jaggery over white sugar?
Farmers argue that using locally produced jaggery instead of white sugar would support small jaggery units and provide them with essential seasonal income.
What is the current procurement issue faced by sugarcane growers?
Growers allege that middlemen are purchasing sugarcane from them at a significantly lower price than the government allocates to contractors, leading to financial losses.
How could revising the Pongal gift package benefit the agricultural community?
By revising the package to include more locally sourced items, the government can uplift traditional producers and enhance rural employment while preserving Tamil Nadu’s agrarian heritage.
What price do farmers want for sugarcane?
Farmers are appealing for the government to procure sugarcane directly from them at Rs 45 per piece.
