Farmers in Madurai district have expressed shock and dismay after receiving notices from primary agricultural cooperative banks demanding the immediate repayment of their crop loans in full, along with accumulated interest.The directive has sparked widespread anxiety, as it ran contrary to expectations raised by the State government’s loan waiver announcements.According to government policy declarations, crop loans up to ₹75,000 obtained by micro and small farmers across Tamil Nadu are slated for a complete waiver.However, beneficiaries at the Poondi Primary Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Madurai—a prominent institution in the region—were recently served notices instructing them to clear their entire loan balances with interest calculated from the date of disbursement.Bank officials have reportedly assured farmers that the eligible waiver amounts would be credited back to them only after the full dues are paid.Farmers pointed out that the condition contradicted electoral promises.“The cooperative bank has sent notices demanding the repayment of the loans we obtained. As promised in the election manifesto, the government should completely waive the crop loans for farmers with less than five acres of land,” K. Suresh said a farmer from Kallandiri.The financial strain is further compounded by ongoing agricultural challenges.Double-crop irrigation farmers in the region reported that they are currently struggling without active cultivation because water has not been released on time.Under these constrained circumstances, demanding the immediate settlement of loans with interest has left the farming community questioning whether they will see any tangible relief at all.Agricultural officials said though they have received information regarding waiving loans, they were yet to implement it. “We will look into the issue and take action,” they assured. Published - August 01, 2026 08:24 pm IST