TN’s Yelagiri farmers Urge Govt. To Set Up Agriculture Office

Tribal Farmers from Tamil Nadu, Tirupattur demand a nearby agriculture office be located in their area. More than,5000 tribal farmers from Yelagiri in Tirupattur seek demands for the office.  

The nearest office lies 20 km away from where the farmers have to collect different agricultural inputs like fertilizers, seeds, government subsidies, and other agricultural products.

Yelagiri is the main site for performing farming activities. They are known for producing different varieties of fruits including mangoes, jackfruit, banana, mangoes, and many more, especially during the spring season. They also grow vegetables like beans, cabbage, and tomatoes throughout the year.

Now, these farmers have to travel a long distance to sell their produce in Jolarpettai. This is because it’s been months since the nearby agriculture office was closed for decades.

Infact farmers from small and middle-class backgrounds completely depend on government subsidies for running their livelihood.

Tribal farmers from Kuppulingam said that it becomes very difficult for them to travel larger distances from the hilltops of Yelagiri to Jolarpettai for collecting government subsidies at least 5 times a month. This costs them huge expenses of Rs 300 Per month. Additionally, farmers have to load and transport their produce which charges them extra money.

GK Ramaswamy another tribal farmer from Yelagiri told that he has to pay much more than he gains from government subsidies Moreover traveling long distances is just a waste of money and energy.

Mahalingam another farmer told that  “Has not been aware of many agricultural facilities and schemes despite practicing agriculture for decades. A proper agriculture office setup and authorities' presence would have helped them ". 

It is very upsetting that even though there have been several petitions filed by farmers, voices raised yet no response has been reverted to farmers, said the CEO of Yelagiri Hill Tribal Farmer's Company Limited.

Tirupattur Agriculture Officer Radha, who had acknowledged the several problems addressed by farmers told that she had already informed and requested the collector to take action regarding these issues. Also to come up with innovative solutions as soon as possible.