Will AIADMK's Hunger Strike Bring Attention to TN Mango Farmers' Struggles?
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Synopsis
As the AIADMK gears up for a hunger strike this Friday, all eyes are on Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. The opposition party is calling attention to the plight of mango farmers suffering from price drops and demanding government intervention. Will this protest lead to the relief these farmers desperately need?
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK is holding a hunger strike in Krishnagiri to support mango farmers.
- Mango farmers are facing severe financial distress due to low prices.
- The state government claims to have addressed farmers' issues.
- Farmers are demanding a minimum price of Rs 13 per kilogram for their produce.
- Political tensions in the region are escalating over agricultural welfare.
Chennai, June 19 (NationPress) The opposition AIADMK has declared a hunger strike in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district on Friday, urging the DMK government to take action concerning the challenges faced by mango farmers in the area. AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced that the protest will occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., demanding immediate compensation and fair pricing for mango growers who have incurred heavy losses this season.
Palaniswami highlighted that after paddy and sugarcane, mango ranks as one of the most widely cultivated crops in Tamil Nadu.
He noted that Krishnagiri district alone encompasses 35,000 hectares dedicated to mango cultivation. “This year, approximately three lakh tonnes of mangoes were harvested, resulting in two lakh tonnes of pulp extraction,” he explained. However, he added, the prices have plummeted this season, pushing thousands of mango farmers into severe financial hardship.
Palaniswami claimed that pulp manufacturers are offering farmers only Rs 4 to Rs 5 per kilogram, while the farmers are seeking a minimum of Rs 13 per kilogram. They are also requesting Rs 30,000 each as compensation for those affected.
“Despite farmers submitting petitions to the District Collector for compensation, no action has been taken yet,” the Leader of Opposition asserted.
In response to AIADMK's allegations, Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam firmly countered, stating that the difficulties faced by mango farmers in Krishnagiri have already been addressed through prompt government action.
Panneerselvam stated, “Over the past three years, under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, our Dravidian Model government has prioritized farmers' welfare by introducing a separate agriculture budget and renaming the department to the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department.”
Taking a jab at the AIADMK, the minister remarked, “During its time in power, the AIADMK backed the anti-farmer farm laws of the Union government. Now, unable to accept that farmers are benefiting under this administration, Edappadi Palaniswami is resorting to political theatrics with unfounded claims.”
As the political tension escalates, all eyes are on Krishnagiri, where the AIADMK will hold its protest on Friday, demanding urgent attention for the state’s mango farmers.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the ongoing struggles of farmers in Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK's hunger strike sheds light on pressing agricultural issues, but it also highlights the broader context of governmental responsibility and the need for sustained support for farmers across the country.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AIADMK staging a hunger strike?
AIADMK is staging a hunger strike to demand intervention from the DMK government for mango farmers facing financial distress due to drastically fallen prices.
What are the farmers demanding?
Farmers are demanding immediate compensation and fair pricing for their mangoes, with a request for Rs 30,000 each for affected farmers.
What has the state government said in response?
The Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister has asserted that the government has already addressed the issues faced by mango farmers through timely interventions.
