SOURCE: Times of India
Farmers engaged in banana cultivation are lamenting that the government has left them to fend for themselves after the recent rain coupled with strong winds destroyed hundreds of their banana plants in Trichy district.
The gales had destroyed hundreds of banana trees in Lalgudi, Thottiam, Musiri, T Pettai, and Anthanallur blocks. In Lalgudi block, rain had played havoc with banana farming in more than 10 villages, including Koogur, Edaiyattrumangalam, Pambaramsutri, Thirumanamedu, Valavanur and Esanaikorai.
The government will take into consideration the loss only if more than 25% of the total plants cultivated in an acre are damaged, said N Veerasekaran, state secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Sangam. “Many farmers have lost around 300 plants. Though they may not come under the ‘required loss bracket’ for compensation, still it’s a loss.”