Collector Anand Mohan addressing farmers at the grievance redress meeting held at Tirunelveli Collectorate on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Farmers allege that there is an acute shortage of fertilizer across Tirunelveli district and accused officials of wasting public funds by constructing three check dams in Pallikottai canal area that have served no useful purpose.The concern was raised at the monthly farmers’ grievance redress meeting held at Tirunelveli district Collectorate on Thursday, chaired by District Collector Anand Mohan.Farmers from Pallamadai alleged that three check dams had been constructed in the Pallikottai canal area without any tangible benefit to farmers. They claimed that officials had wasted government funds by constructing check dams at unnecessary locations.Another farmer pointed out that the Seliyanallur tank had not been desilted for the past 46 years and urged the district administration to take immediate action.Selvakumar, a farmer from Moolaikaraipatti said that the Manimuthar 80-foot canal was in dilapidated condition and should be repaired before the onset of northeast monsoon. He also urged the authorities to remove invasive Prosopis juliflora trees encroaching on the Thamilakurichi dam and floodwater canals to facilitate free flow of water.At the meeting several farmers expressed concerns over widespread fertilizer shortage across the district. They allege that many cooperative societies were functioning without adequate staff and that poor fertilizer distribution by cooperative institutions had forced farmers to purchase fertilizers from private dealers.Farmers also demanded an annual revision of paddy procurement prices. They noted that rising fertilizer and input costs should be taken into account while fixing paddy prices.Responding to the complaints, Mr. Mohan said that their demands would be recommended to the government, and necessary action will be taken.District Revenue Officer M. Durai, Cheranmahadevi Sub Collector Ayush Gupta, Joint Director of Agriculture Poovannan and several other officials were present at the meeting. Published - June 25, 2026 09:17 pm IST
