File Photo: PMK founder S Ramadoss
PMK today said the Tamil Nadu government's announcement that water from Mettur dam will not be discharged on June 12 as per the practice, has 'disappointed' farmers and demanded compensation for the 'ryots'.
Government's announcement that water "will not be released in Cauvery on the June 12 as scheduled because of inadequate storage in Mettur reservoir has disappointed Cauvery delta farmers," party founder S Ramadoss said.
Though Chief Minister Jayalalithaa offered Rs 40 crore worth sops to farmers including provision of rent-free farming equipment to take up 'kuruvai' (short-term) farming, "there is nothing new in this," as it was similar to packages announced in the last three years also, he said.
"Considering the plight of the farmers, government should give a compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre. Their crop loans should be waived. One time financial assistance of Rs 15,000 should be given to every farm labourer who has lost his livelihood," he said in a statement.
Mr Ramadoss also demanded that each family be given 150 days of work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.