Sorghum Virus devastates fields, Farmers seek immediate relief

Farmers voiced deep distress over the large-scale destruction of sorghum crops due to a viral attack and demanded urgent relief measures at the Farmers’ Grievance Redressal Day meeting held at the Tiruvannamalai District Collectorate.
The meeting was chaired by District Revenue Officer Rampradeepan. Farmers from different parts of the district took part and placed several demands before the administration. They urged the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent shortage of fertilisers and ensure continuous supply of urea and other inputs through private outlets and cooperative credit societies.
The farmers also sought the convening of tripartite meetings related to crop insurance and the dairy sector. They demanded the establishment of an emergency department and maternity ward at the Thanipadi Government Hospital and called for the upgradation of the Government High School at Narayanakuppam in Thandarambattu taluk into a higher secondary school. Dredging of inflow and outflow canals in catchment areas was stressed, along with compensation for wells damaged during Cyclone Penjal. Immediate opening of direct paddy procurement centres for the ongoing samba season was also demanded.
Highlighting the severity of the sorghum virus outbreak, farmers from the Thandarambattu region narrated their plight with visible anguish. Some said they had uprooted the urad plants they had cultivated, unable to cope with the losses. They explained that sorghum is cultivated every year in uneven lands where paddy cannot be grown and is relied upon as it offers comparatively higher income.
However, the sorghum crop sown two months ago has been completely affected by the virus, with plants turning yellow at the crucial stage of yield. Farmers alleged that despite informing officials of the Agriculture Department, no effective solution had been provided so far, nor had they been advised on suitable medicines. They pointed out that a similar situation prevailed in Chengam and Jamunamarathur areas and demanded an immediate field inspection and technical guidance to ensure future yield. Otherwise, they urged the government to provide compensation and relief without delay.
District Revenue Officer Rampradeepan, after patiently hearing the grievances, directed officials of the concerned departments to take immediate action. He also received individual petitions from farmers.
The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Agriculture Kannagi, Personal Assistant to the District Collector for Agriculture Malarvizhi, and officials from various government departments.