Supply water to save mango trees in K’giri, demands EPS
CHENNAI: Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded the state government to extend a helping hand to mango growers in Krishnagiri district to save their trees by supplying water during the summer season. He insisted the government fix a minimum support price for mango growers for their produce.
Boasting himself as a Deltakaran during election season is not suffice enough, he should take necessary measures during the summer to save the mango trees that are withering due to insufficient watering, Palaniswami said in a statement hitting out at Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The AIADMK general secretary demanded the state government to supply water through tanker lorries to save the mango trees cultivated in 35,000 hectares in Krishnagiri district as 90% of them were rain-fed. Around 1.30 lakh metric tonnes are harvested in a year.
“Nearly 30 varieties of mangoes are harvested from Krishnagiri. They are popular in both domestic and international markets. The mangoes are exported to 62 countries, particularly to gulf countries. The government is earning Rs 600 crore per year through foreign exchange,” he said and continued that the mango growers were facing a bleak season due to insufficient rains and they are forced to buy water in lorries to save the trees during this summer. Hence, the government should take measures to aid the farmers and fix MSP for their produce to create a safe net for them.
Slams govt for rampant ganja sale
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition lashed out at the DMK government as it failed to prevent sale of ganja and narcotic substances. It is worrying to see a youth, who is reportedly a drug addict, creating ruckus in the government hospital in Mannargudi and creating problems to the hospital staff and the public, Palaniswami said in his social media post. He also posted a video clip of a youth going frantic and damaging the hospital properties.
“I repeatedly flagged the issue and cautioned the government to take stern action against the drug flow in the state. But the government had failed to act upon it, resulting in the increase of drug influence crimes,” the AIADMK general secretary said.