Farmers in Salem urge government to procure sugarcane for Pongal gift hampers

Sugarcane farmers in the district, especially in Poolampatti and surrounding areas, have urged the State government to make an announcement soon to procure sugarcane directly from farmers for distribution along with Pongal gift hampers to the ration cardholders.

In Salem district, sugarcane is cultivated in over 1,000 acres in Poolampatti, Koodakal, Kuppanur, Pillukurichi, Onamparaiyur, Nedunkulam, Siluvampalayam, and Koneripatti in Edappadi Taluk; Kannantheri in Sankari Taluk; Kulanaickenpatti in Mettur; Muthunaickenpatti in Omalur; and Siddar Kovil near Elampillai. With good rain and the availability of groundwater and the Cauvery water this year, cultivation of sugarcane started in April/May, and sugarcane is ready for harvesting now.

During Pongal festival, the government usually announces the distribution of sugarcane to every ration cardholder in the State along with the Pongal gift hamper. With only one month left for the festival, the farmers urged the government to make the announcement on the Pongal gift hamper soon, as harvesting of sugarcane had started.

N. Babu Janardhanan, a farmer from Poolampatti, said that in and around Poolampatti alone, sugarcane is cultivated in nearly 500 acres. In the past, the government announced that sugarcane will be procured directly from farmers and paid ₹35 (including transportation and cutting charges) for a sugarcane. Now, information spreads that the government is going to give cash gifts for ration cardholders this Pongal.

Hoping that the government will procure sugarcane directly, the farmers have cultivated sugarcane. If the government gives only the cash gift means 75% of sugarcane will be procured by middlemen at a poor price. So, the Chief Minister should consider the welfare of farmers and make an announcement in this connection soon, Mr. Babu added.

S. Rajesh, a farmer, said that by claiming that the chance for the government to procure sugarcane this year for Pongal is less, middlemen started to procure sugarcane in and around Poolampatti for ₹17 to ₹18 per sugarcane. The government should ensure procurement of sugarcane without any interference from middlemen, he added.