Chennai: Government should procure sugarcane directly from farmers and distribute it through ration shops during Pongal, said farmers in the state, reports Business Standard.
During last year the government had distributed sugarcane through ration shops and if it distributes this year also then it would be beneficial to farmers, they said.
Farmers are planning to launch a protest in front of the secretariat for their demand on December 27.
Pongal, the biggest harvest festival, is being celebrated with enthusiasm in the state between January 15 and 18.
R. Shanmugasundaram, President of the Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Association said that last year the government procured sugarcane in bulk quantity and distributed it through ration shops for the Pongal festival.
The farmers have spent around Rs 2 lakh per acre to grow the crop and if the government fails to procure it from them, they would be at loss, he said.
