Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Paadhukaapu Sangam led protests by farmers here at the Collectorate, crying foul at the State government’s announcement of partial loan waiver to cover only those loans secured in the past year. The farmers, who gathered outside the Collectorate, demanded that the TVK-led government honour its electoral promise of full loan waiver for all cooperative society loans.

According to the farmers association, farmers with society loans have long been grappling with a range of State failures vis-a-vis ensuring agricultural incomes. While over 150 agricultural items are being produced by farmers, only 21 have been assigned minimum support price.

Moreover, only sugarcane, paddy and copra have any real procurement benefitting farmers, according to the protesters. In essence, farmers are struggling with low agricultural income from their produce and debts incurred in production.

According to the farmers association, farmers have incurred heavy losses over the past five years through interest payments towards loans taken from Primary Agricultural Cooperative (PAC) Societies. However, the government’s announcement of loan waiver of up to ₹50,000 for only those loans secured between May 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 defied the logic of support to farmers.

According to the association, close to ₹15,000 crore was allocated towards various subsidies for farmers. However, these subsidies were often a ruse for corruption and embezzlement, it alleged. Instead, these funds should be diverted towards the farm loan waiver to cover all marginal farmers, and not just those that have secured loans in the recent months.