As rains elude, farmers reel under financial burden

Loss estimate: There was no sowing since 2016, so no actual loss, only the loss of income from the land lying fallow.

Loan: She has a loan of around ~3 lakh and pays back around ~7,500 per month.

Irrigation: In 2003 before the canal was desilted, she spent ~2 lakh on a borewell, and some money to clean the canal. These are her one-time expenses for water

The farm crisis in Tamil Nadu this year

In January 2017, CM O Panneerselvam declared a drought in all 32 districts of the state. There was an average of 60% deficit in rainfall from the north-east monsoon in 2016. Cuddalore district suffered an 80% deficit in rainfall. Out of 16,682 revenue villages in the state, 13,305 villages were identified as affected by drought. The government announced that paddy farmers who had suffered 33% loss in crops will receive ~5,465 per acre, and ~7,287 per acre for long-term crops. Farmers from TN protested for 100 days in New Delhi, calling off their agitation on April 24, demanding Centre’s intervention.