Vaiko observes fast in support of drought-hit farmers in Tamil Nadu
Virudhunagar, Mar 14: Demanding suitable compensation for drought-hit farmers of Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko observed a day's fast here today.
Vaiko, along with 1,000 party cadres and farmers was observing a day-long hunger strike at Desabandhu Grounds in Virudhunagar town.
Speaking on the occasion, he said while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha had announced Rs 15,000 per acre as compensation towards crop loss in the wake of monsoon failure to the farmers of delta districts.
There was no announcement of similar relief to the farmers of Southern districts, who were also reeling under severe drought, crop loss and poverty. He demanded Rs 25,000 compensation per acre to the farmers of Southern districts.
He urged the Central and state governments to waive all the agricultural loans and enhance the cash relief to families of nine farmers who had committed suicide.
The Rs three lakh cash relief announced by Tamil Nadu government is not enough and it should be enhanced to Rs 10 lakh considering the plight of the affected families, he said.