Palaniswami Criticises TVK's Budget for Ignoring Farmers' Demands on Prices and Loans

Chennai, August 6 — K. Palaniswami, the AIADMK general secretary, delivered a scathing review of the TVK government's maiden agriculture budget, highlighting gaps between promised reforms and actual policy.

He noted that the state’s plan omitted the promised hike in procurement rates for major crops, a promise that was repeatedly voiced in pre‑election rallies. According to Palaniswami, the lack of such price safeguards could erode farmer incomes.

The former chief also underscored the government's tepid stance on farm indebtedness. No provisions were made for forgiving existing crop loans or for introducing a structured relief mechanism, contrary to expectations set during the campaign.

While the budget does mention soil‑health measures, diversification into pulses and millets, and a new AI‑driven service app, Palaniswami warned that without immediate financial support and price assurance, the document will fall short of delivering tangible benefits to Tamil Nadu's rural populace.