Small Farmers in Thoothukudi Call for Transparent Tractor Allotment Process

 

Farmers in Thoothukudi district are advocating for the introduction of an online system to access subsidized tractors, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and equity. While southern regions of the district benefit from irrigation systems, the northern areas depend solely on rainfed agriculture, cultivating crops like pulses, millets, and oilseeds.

A. Varadharajan, president of the Karisal Boomi Vivasayigal Sangam, highlighted the pressing need for tractors in modern farming practices. He pointed out that while affluent farmers can afford personal tractors, small-scale farmers struggle with the high costs of rentals. Currently, subsidies for farm inputs and equipment are accessible online through the submission of documents like Aadhaar cards and land records. However, this digital facility does not extend to tractor purchases, leading to disparities in subsidy distribution.

Varadharajan emphasized that the absence of an online application process for tractor subsidies disproportionately affects genuine small farmers, as tractors often end up allocated to those with political influence. He urged the government to implement an online platform for tractor subsidies to ensure transparency and equitable access for all farmers.

In response to similar challenges, the Tamil Nadu government has launched the E-Rental (E-Vaadagai) application under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Mechanization Scheme. This platform allows farmers to rent agricultural machinery at subsidized rates, addressing labor shortages and promoting mechanization. Additionally, the Uzhavan app provides information on machinery availability and connects farmers with local equipment owners.

Extending such digital solutions to include tractor subsidies could significantly benefit small and marginal farmers in Thoothukudi, promoting fairness and enhancing agricultural efficiency.

 

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