Farmers demand compensation of ₹30,000 per acre for rain-affected samba paddy

Farmers in Cauvery delta demand ₹30,000/acre compensation for cyclone-damaged paddy, criticising inadequate relief and incomplete data.

Farmers’ associations in the Cauvery delta districts have demanded ₹30,000 per acre as compensation for samba paddy crops damaged by Cyclone ‘Fengul’ and heavy rains. The rains, occurring during the critical pollination and formative stage of paddy, caused widespread damage beyond low-lying areas.

Arupathy P. Kalyanam, general secretary of the Federation of Farmers’ Associations in the Cauvery Delta Districts, criticised the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for offering inadequate relief.

“The scheme needs reforms, including a 20% assured base claim jointly funded by the State and Centre. Insurance disbursement has been inconsistent, and relief data for the last three seasons is incomplete. The current compensation of ₹13,000 per hectare barely covers a fraction of the cultivation cost, which is at least ₹35,000 per acre,” he said, urging the government to ensure ₹30,000 per acre as compensation.

Cauvery S. Dhanapalan, general secretary of the Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, criticised the decade-long inactivity of the National Calamity Relief Committee (NCRC), which assesses disaster relief amounts.

“More than 30% of the paddy yield has been lost due to rains during this critical growth stage, yet relief measures remain inaccurate and insufficient,” he said.

Mr. Dhanapalan also highlighted structural issues such as damaged shutters and outlets, exacerbating the crisis. “Hundreds of acres of direct-sown paddy in Kilvelur, Keezhaiyur, and Talaignayar in Nagappattinam have been severely affected,” he added.

They also emphasised the need for immediate government action, including fair compensation and integrated desilting works to safeguard delta farmers’ livelihoods.