Kanniyakumari farmers demand action on waterbody encroachments

Farmers in Kanniyakumari district raised several issues at a grievance meeting on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Collectorate in Nagercoil and was led by Collector R. Alagumeena. Farmers voiced their concerns about delays in receiving funds from the PM KISAN scheme. They also reported problems with encroachments on waterways and poor conditions at paddy procurement centers. Some farmers requested that the cooperative center for coconuts in Chenbagaramanputhoor, which has been closed for years, be reopened to support local coconut farmers. Additionally, farmers called for better upkeep of procurement centers in Thovalai and Parakkai. One farmer mentioned that the Parakkai center lacks security features like fencing and cameras, making it easy for people to steal produce. There were complaints about irregularities in the procurement process and difficulties in obtaining alluvial soil from waterbodies. Farmers from Manavalakurichi asked for the removal of weeds and water hyacinth in their area’s Periyakulam. Another farmer reported that real estate developers and mill owners have encroached upon village ponds. He also mentioned that some businesses are illegally dumping sewage into waterbodies. The farmers emphasized the need for timely credit of PM KISAN funds. Rubber plantation farmers also expressed interest in obtaining latex machines at subsidized prices. In response, the Collector mentioned that PM KISAN funds would be distributed in phases and assured that farmers could approach Tahsildars directly for soil from ponds. She also instructed Block Development Officers to check on encroachments and unauthorized sewage connections to water sources. Further action will be taken to improve the maintenance of paddy procurement centers.