A farmers association in Thoothukudi has urged the authorities to release crop insurance for cotton and shallots for the 2023-24 season, when the crops were severely affected by the northeast monsoon rainfall,
The northeast monsoon rains in 2023 severely affected the crops that were ready for harvest, leaving the farmers devastated. Farmers who insured their crops before November 30, 2023 received immediate compensation while those insured their crops after that date were paid after various protests, demanding insurance for coriander, chilli and shallots. As a result, crop insurance was paid to chilli and coriander farmers in December 2024.
Despite the insured money being provided for most crops, insurance for shallots and cotton has still not been released.
A.Varadharajan, president of Karisal Bhoomi Farmers’ Association expressed concern over the delayed disbursal of insurance moeny for cotton and shallot farmers, noting that around 5,000 farmers were yet to receive their payments. “Even after numerous requests and protests, the payment is still being delayed,” he said.
He added that before the previous year’s settlement, the farmers were again affected by last year’s monsoon right when the crops were ready for harvest. He urged the authorities to immediately release funds for crop insurance claims for the 2023-2024 season.
