Farmer’s Union say Tamil Nadu Agri Budget is a Mix of Welcome Initiatives & Disappointments

Farmers' group representatives described the Tamil Nadu agriculture budget for 2022-23 as a combination of welcome initiatives and disappointments on Saturday. While they are pleased that the Agriculture Minister has agreed to many of their ideas during the pre-budget meetings, they are concerned that the paddy and sugarcane support prices have yet to be increased.

Farmers' organization representatives believe that even though funding for many initiatives is limited; the government has recognized the requirements of farmers at the grassroots level.

 Tamil Nadu Cauvery Delta Farmers Association General Secretary PR Pandian remarked, "The budget has addressed issues at the district level and made contributions to previously unfunded programs. It's great that the budget prioritized organic farming."

He claimed that the budget adjustments will boost agricultural production and improve the state's agricultural infrastructure.

In addition, funds have been set aside to assist in the growth of turmeric and ginger, both of which have medicinal properties. Steps for marketing vegetables and improving sunflower agriculture are also crucial.

Pandian, on the other hand, believes that the budget measures will not benefit farmers significantly unless the government adopts a minimum support price for all agricultural products.

As a result, the government should ensure that agricultural products receive a minimum support price.

According to Swamimalai Vimalnathan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, the budget states that by implementing the Strategic Paddy Cultivation Program, initiatives will be taken to boost paddy cultivation in 19 lakh hectares.

Paddy cultivation on 19 lakh hectares will be boosted by implementing Strategic Paddy Cultivation Program.  "The government, on the other hand, did not explain the components of the strategy that will be implemented. Since the neighboring States have been implementing many strategies to improve their farming area, it should be spelled out during the current session of the Assembly."

According to P Shanmugam, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, the allocation for agriculture has been increased by Rs.221.90 crore, which is highly insufficient given that agriculture is a major source of livelihood for a huge portion of the population.

Despite the many announcements, there is no new scheme to increase farmer income or provide job possibilities in the agriculture sector.

Besides that, no new scheme has been announced for the welfare of the small and marginal farmers.