Over 15,000 banana plantains were uprooted in Theethipalayam and Kuppanur villages, Coimbatore district, India, following a gale. Previously, more than 60,000 plantains were lost in Annur taluk. Farmers state that the government offers minimal compensation, with Rs 17,500 per hectare (approximately US$210), equating to Rs 6 (about US$0.07) per plant against a loss of Rs 800 (around US$9.60) per plant.
R Periyasamy, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, stated, "The farmers are facing huge losses as the bananas that were in the harvest stage were damaged. Officials from the horticulture department and revenue department should directly inspect the above-mentioned affected lands and provide appropriate compensation to the affected farmers from the Disaster Management Fund."
An official from the Horticulture Department remarked, "It is the policy decision of the government to increase the compensation sum. We could recommend the farmers' demand to the government."
Source: New Indian Express
